The unappealing coupling of Ethel Merman and Donald O’Connor put the mockers on this hoary old showbiz love triangle musical from the start, we’re afraid. Marilyn doing Heatwave helps a bit, but the rendition of Alexander’s Ragtime Band performed by O’Connor’s showbiz family act The Five Donahues (a special anniversary edition of the estimable talk show made for Children in Need, with Geraldo as The Brigadier) can’t hold a candle to Maggie Henderson’s solo version, accompanied by two spoons with unconvincing faces drawn on them.
