From South Pacific (9:09 mins): "You've Got to Be Taught" and "This Nearly Was Mine"
Details
| Title | From South Pacific (9:09 mins): "You've Got to Be Taught" and "This Nearly Was Mine" |
| Author | Charles Walls |
| Duration | 9:08 |
| File Format | MP3 / MP4 |
| Original URL | https://youtube.com/watch?v=Gh68pPbUa1w |
Description
Music by Richard Rodgers & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. South Pacific premiered on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre in April 1949. The movie opened in March 1958.
The song "You've Got to be Taught" was subject to widespread criticism, judged by some to be too controversial for the musical stage ... and legislative challenges regarding its supposed Communist agenda and demanding the song be removed. But with the risk of the show never premiering, Rodgers & Hammerstein stood their ground and insisted the song had to absolutely remain in the musical. It was integral to the story they were trying to portray.
To answer Emile's question about why Nellie's prejudices would not allow her to marry him; Lt. Joe Cable sings the controversial song. The scene closes with Emile's singing "This Nearly Was Mine", followed by Lt. Cable's suggesting that Emile change his mind - and accompany him on a dangerous mission to a Japanese-occupied island.
