from Funny Face to Eloise

Kayographies

Kay Thompson

PART ONE: HEADLINING APPEARANCES IN DRAMATIC MOVIES & TELEVISION SHOWS: Manhattan Merry-Go-Round (Republic Pictures, 1937) As herself, with her Rhythm Singers. (Also vocal arranger, choral director, and pianist.) Wilbur Clark’s Desert Inn Presents Las Vegas: Recreation Unlimited (MacDonald Film Productions, 1955) Fifteen-minute travelogue featurette includes candid shots of many celebrities including Kay Thompson (who was in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 18, 1955, to see Noël Coward’s nightclub act at Wilbur Clark’s Desert Inn—a show she helped create; she also recommended her pianist-conductor protégé Peter Matz for Coward’s engagement). This featurette was provided to movie theaters and television stations to help promote tourism. Playhouse 90: “Heritage of Anger” (CBS, 11/15/1956) Guest host: Kay Thompson. She also appeared at the end of the program in a 3½ minute live commercial for the following week’s Playhouse 90: “Kay Thompson’s Eloise.” (Thompson performed the “Eloise” song using her Eloise voice; and, as herself, spoke about the program.) Playhouse 90: “Kay Thompson’s Eloise” (CBS-TV, 11/22/1956) As herself. (Also creative consultant, composer, vocal arranger, choral director, choreographer, author of source material.) Funny Face (Paramount, 1957) As Maggie Prescott. (Also vocal arranger, coach for Audrey Hepburn.) The Dick Powell Show: “Who Killed Julie Greer?” (NBC-TV, 9/26/1961) As Mrs. Pierce. Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon (Paramount, 1970) As Miss Gregory. (Also coach for Liza Minnelli.) Filmed but cut prior to release: The Kid from Brooklyn (RKO, 1946) As Matron of the Milkmaids. (Also vocal arranger, composer.)

Kayographies

Kay Thompson in Funny Face, 1957