The sound quality of this episode of "Playhouse 90" isn't great...which is a more serious problem since the program is about a famous singer! It's also odd that only a few months after this particular show aired that Hollywood made their own version, "The Helen Morgan Story". I am actually surprised either was made, as Helen Morgan was not the best subject for a bio-pic. This is because Morgan was, off the stage, a real mess...an alcoholic with a self-destructive taste in men. And, unlike some characters who mess up and eventually turn it all around, Morgan was dead at 41 from Cirrhosis!
The story begins in Morgan's teenage years. It then follows her from her early singing career to her various successes, personal problems, drinking and untimely death. It's hard to tell how well Polly Bergan is doing as Morgan, as again I felt the sound quality was poor...and it was tough to assess Bergan's singing. A few times, the musical instruments clearly overpowered her voice and she was at her best when singing with a simple accompaniment, not a loud band. Late in the show, she really did sound good with a simple piano solo...and I wish she sounded that good in all the musical numbers.
So is it any good? Well, yes and no. The actors seem to try their best and it is amazing that this was all broadcast live on TV. Bergen received an Emmy for her performance. But on the other hand, even if it was well done, it was hard to feel involved with the story because Helen Morgan was not exactly sympathetic nor noble. She was a talented lady who seemed to throw her life away...which is quite sad. Overall, not a lot of fun to watch but well made.
By the way, Ronnie Burns stars as one of Helen's husbands. He was the real life adopted son of George Burns and Gracie Allen and played himself (of sorts) on their popular 1950s TV series.