One Touch of Venus is a 1948 film directed by William A. Seiter, starring Robert Walker and Ava Gardner. It is based on a Broadway musical of the same name.
This "Hallmark Spectacular" was broadcast live from the Texas State Fair in Dallas.
George Gaynes' TV debut.
In the art department of a large department store, the statue of the famed Anatolian Venus comes to life and falls in love with Eddie Hatch, a window trimmer. Just before the unveiling of the prized statue, Eddie takes "Venus" to the model-display house in the store, where the store's boss finds her. He, too, falls in love with her and makes her Glamour Girl Number One. Eddie and Venus dance in Central Park, but Eddie is arrested for stealing the statue. Venus goes back to her pedestal and Eddie is released. While Eddie is sadly preparing for another unveiling, a new employee asks him a question. She tells him her name is Venus Jones. Written by Les Adams {longhorn@abilene.com}
A window dresser in a department store feels a strange attraction to a mannequin in the display. One night he impulsively kisses her; she comes to life and reveals herself to be Venus, the goddess of love. Written by frankfob2@yahoo.com
Interesting to compare the casting in the original stage version of "One Touch" (1943-45). Directed by Elia Kazan, the Broadway play cast Kenny Baker as the confused hero, Mary Martin as Venus, and John Boles as the store owner. It looks as if two characters not important in the stage version were developed for the film: Haymes with his fine singing voice as the hero's buddy, and witty Arden as the store owner's wryly ironic secretary. Even though Mary Martin and Ava Gardner both made a big impact in playing the exquisite goddess, it's interesting to speculate that the role could have gained an additional "exotic" dimension, if a FOREIGN actress, with an exotic accent (like Hedy Lamarr) had been cast as Venus. Compare the all-American, down-home speech patterns of Mary Martin (from Texas) and Ava Gardner (from Carolina), which might not be exactly what could be expected from a Greek goddess... Written by Prof Steven P Hill, University of Illinois.
