The Girl Can't Help It (1956) Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell, & Little Richard!
Update: 2025-07-13
Description
Book Vs. Movie: “The Girl Can’t Help It”
The Garson Kanin Play Vs. the Jayne Mansfield Movie
The 1956 Technicolor film The Girl Can’t Help It is often remembered for Jayne Mansfield’s curves and Little Richard’s title song, but it originated from Garson Kanin's short story Do Re Mi. This satirical piece critiques the music industry and the manufactured nature of fame, suggesting that anyone can become a star with enough money and manipulation. Directed by Frank Tashlin, the film follows a down-on-his-luck music manager (Tom Ewell) hired by a mobster (Edmond O’Brien) to turn his disinterested girlfriend (Mansfield) into a music sensation. Between the short story and the movie, which did the Margos like better?
Have a listen to find out!
In this episode, the Margos discuss:
Follow us on the socials!
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
The Garson Kanin Play Vs. the Jayne Mansfield Movie
The 1956 Technicolor film The Girl Can’t Help It is often remembered for Jayne Mansfield’s curves and Little Richard’s title song, but it originated from Garson Kanin's short story Do Re Mi. This satirical piece critiques the music industry and the manufactured nature of fame, suggesting that anyone can become a star with enough money and manipulation. Directed by Frank Tashlin, the film follows a down-on-his-luck music manager (Tom Ewell) hired by a mobster (Edmond O’Brien) to turn his disinterested girlfriend (Mansfield) into a music sensation. Between the short story and the movie, which did the Margos like better?
Have a listen to find out!
In this episode, the Margos discuss:
- The original sort story vs the Broadway musical starring Phil Sylvers
- The life and career of Jayne Mansfield
- How important Little Richard is to rock and roll.
- The cast includes: Jayne Mansfield (Jerri Jordan), Tom Ewell (Tom Miller), Edmond O’Brien (Fats), Julie London (herself), and Ray Anthony as himself.
- Intro to the movie
- The Girl Can’t Help It (1956 trailer)
- “Jayne walking”
- “Eddie Cochran on TV”
- “Jayne and Little Richard”
- Music by Little Richard
Follow us on the socials!
- Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
- You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
- Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
- bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
- Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
- Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
- Margo D’s TikTok
- Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
- Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
- Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
- Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
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