"How to Marry a Millionaire," a 1953 American romantic comedy, stands out not just for its star-studded cast and engaging plot, but also for its significant contributions to cinematic technology. Produced and distributed by 20th Century-Fox, this film marked a pivotal moment in the studio's history and in the broader evolution of movie-making. It was a trailblazer in the adoption of new visual and auditory experiences, setting precedents that would
influence how audiences consumed entertainment for decades to come.
The film's technical achievements were particularly notable, especially its use of the CinemaScope widescreen sound process. While it was the second CinemaScope film released by Fox, following the biblical epic "The Robe" in the same year, "How to Marry a Millionaire" was the studio's very first production to be shot using this innovative technology. This distinction highlights its role in pioneering the widescreen format, which aimed to offer a more immersive viewing experience than traditional film aspect ratios.
Pioneering CinemaScope Technology
The introduction of CinemaScope was a direct response to the growing popularity of television, as Hollywood sought to lure audiences back to movie theaters with spectacles that could not be replicated at home. "How to Marry a Millionaire" embraced this challenge by utilizing the new widescreen process, which provided a much broader visual canvas. This allowed for more expansive shots and a greater sense of depth, enhancing the romantic comedy's glamorous Manhattan settings and the visual appeal of its leading ladies.
The CinemaScope widescreen sound process was not merely about a wider picture; it also incorporated advanced sound technology. This combination aimed to create a more enveloping sensory experience for the audience, making the film a showcase for what modern cinema could achieve. The decision by 20th Century-Fox to use this cutting-edge technology for a romantic comedy, rather than solely for epic dramas, demonstrated the studio's confidence in its broad appeal and versatility.
Television Debut and Lasting Impact
Beyond its theatrical release, "How to Marry a Millionaire" achieved another significant milestone in media history. On September 23, 1961, it became the first color and CinemaScope film ever shown on prime-time network television. This event occurred when it was presented as the inaugural film on NBC's "Saturday Night at the Movies."
While the film was shown in a panned-and-scanned format to fit the standard television screens of the era, its broadcast marked a crucial moment in the relationship between film and television. It brought the spectacle of a major Hollywood production, complete with its advanced color and widescreen origins, directly into American homes. This television debut not only exposed a wider audience to the film but also signaled a new era for how cinematic content would be distributed and consumed, bridging the gap between the big screen and the small screen. The film's soundtrack, featuring music directed by Alfred Newman and incidental music by Cyril Mockridge, was later released on CD by Film Score Monthly on March 15, 2001, further cementing its place in cinematic history.
