Although it was made and released less than seventy years ago, the MGM musical Bells are Ringing (1960) contains one aspect that makes it feel antiquated.  This, of course, is the telephone technology at Susanswerphone, the central telephone exchange where Ella Peterson (Judy Holliday) works as an operator.  Teenagers today might not even comprehend the concept of a switchboard, accustomed as they are to their cellular phones.  Yet even with the quaintness of the central conceit and an uncharacteristic clumsiness in the adaptation from stage to screen of this property, it is still a rewarding movie experience.

This is due to the performances and the music.  Betty Comden and Adolph Green wrote some great lyrics to accompany Jule Styne’s music for the show, including “Just in Time,” “The Party’s Over,” “Do It Yourself,” “I Met a Girl” and “Better Than a Dream,” as well as the comic novelty songs “It’s a Simple Little System” and “Drop That Name.”

The songs are delivered with class by Judy Holliday, who reprises the role she had originated on Broadway, and Dean Martin.  This was Holliday’s final film, and the only one of her starring vehicles filmed completely in color.  She had a terrible time making the movie and sustained several injuries and maladies during its production, and yet her performance is, in my opinion, the best she ever presented on celluloid.  She’s both tough and vulnerable, sweet and sour, frail and incandescent.  Her persona outshines the film’s unpolished script and clunky direction.

Let’s not forget about Dean Martin.  He was still trying to romanticize his screen persona four years after breaking up his partnership with Jerry Lewis, and after proving his acting chops in the dramas The Young Lions (1958), Some Came Running (1958) and Rio Bravo (1959).  Martin is right at home as the partying writer who needs a little guidance to set his life back in order.

Bells Are Ringing is a bittersweet musical, and a bitter-sweet end to Judy Holliday’s career.  My rating:  ✪ ✪ ✪.  (9:2).