Besides Kidder, I find Susan Blakely the most convincing. All the others are inappropriate - and in a couple of cases (Channing - much as I like her - and Warren) wildly so.
It might be worth mentioning that Warren had actually already played the role of Lois Lane in a made-for-TV adaptation of the '60s Broadway musical, Strouse & Adams' "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman!" Her approach to the role in this screen test is very similar to what she did with it in that production. Would her casting have meant a sung (rather than recited) performance of "Can You Read My Mind," and therefore probably an additional Oscar nomination for the film?
Would Channing have sung "Can You Read My Mind" on the soundtrack of the film if she were cast? She did her own singing as "Rizzo" in "Grease" the same year . . .
It might be worth mentioning that Warren had actually already played the role of Lois Lane in a made-for-TV adaptation of the '60s Broadway musical, Strouse & Adams' "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman!" Her approach to the role in this screen test is very similar to what she did with it in that production. Would her casting have meant a sung (rather than recited) performance of "Can You Read My Mind," and therefore probably an additional Oscar nomination for the film?
Would Channing have sung "Can You Read My Mind" on the soundtrack of the film if she were cast? She did her own singing as "Rizzo" in "Grease" the same year . . .
Interesting points, Sigerson. It makes me think how I hear that some creators will play to the strengths of the performer. Did Bricusse write lyrics to be sung by Kidder, who is not a trained singer? Would Williams have done differently even?
