20th Century Fox Closes Movie Rights for Guys and Dolls Film
Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra
(Photo via Turner Classic Movies)Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt love the idea of starring in Fox’s recently announced Guys and Dolls movie-musical remake. These two young Hollywood heartthrobs have shown interest in stepping into the roles originated by the legendary Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando. No director or writer has been announced and the cast will not be signed onto the film until a script and filmmaker are in place.
Other stars who jumped at the opportunity to portray these classic characters include Russell Crowe, Vin Diesel, and Hugh Jackman, among others. A few years ago Harvey Weinstein expressed interest in obtaining the rights with his Chicago executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron on board. Jo Loesser, widow of songwriter Frank Loesser, has withheld the rights until recently, causing the original movie plans to fall through.
Guys and Dolls was originally inspired by Damon Runyon’s short stories portraying the rogue gangsters and gamblers of the 1920s and ’30s. The musical follows Nathan Detroit’s plans to set up a floating crap game in a town rife with gamblers, but Detroit lacks the money to begin his venture. He makes a bet with friend Sky Masterson to get the wholesome missionary Sarah Brown to accompany him to the loose-morale haven of Havana.
With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, the Tony Award-winning Guys and Dolls premiered on Broadway in 1950 and has been succeeded with five revivals. The classic Loesser songs include “Luck Be A Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.”
