Jules Munshin

Jules Munshin was an American actor, comedian, and singer from New York City. He is primarily remembered for his appearances in MGM film musicals. Munshin's family name was originally "Monszejn", and his father was named Gershon Joseph Monszejn. He first gained fame as a Broadway actor, starring in the musical revue "Call Me Mister" (1946), by Arnold M. Auerbach (1912-1998) and Harold Rome (1908-1993). The theme of the musical was the then-ongoing demobilization of troops from service in World War II, their return to civilian life, and their demand to be called by name and not by military rank. The musical was a hit, and had a run of 734 performances. His film debut was Easter Parade (1948), in which he played the headwaiter, François. The film was a box office success, earning about 5,8 million dollars at the domestic box office. It was the most financially successful picture to feature lead actor Fred Astaire and lead actress Judy Garland. Munshin had a supporting role in the baseball-themed musical Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949), which featured Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, as the male leads. Munshin had another supporting role in the romance film That Midnight Kiss (1949), in which Mario Lanza was the male lead. Munshin had a more substantial role in the musical On the Town (1949) about three sailors on shore leave in New York City. The film was a critical and commercial hit, and remains Munshin's most memorable film appearance. Munshin resurfaced in We Go to Monte Carlo (1953) (original title: "Monte Carlo Baby") about a spoiled young actress (played by Audrey Hepburn). The film helped launch her career. Munshin then had a minor role in the romantic comedy Ten Thousand Bedrooms (1957), which featured Dean Martin as the male lead. He had a more substantial role in the musical comedy Silk Stockings (1957), which was loosely based on Ninotchka (1939). Munshin played Bibinski, an inept Soviet operative who has to convince expatriate Russian composer Peter Illyich Boroff (played by Wim Sonneveld) to return to their motherland. The film was a popular hit and garnered acclaim for Cyd Charisse (the female lead). Munshin's next supporting role was in the Disney comedy film Monkeys, Go Home! (1967). The plot involved chimpanzees used as a labor force in an olive grove, and other workers protesting about the chimps stealing their jobs. Munshin's final film role was in the Charlie Chan-parody film Mastermind (1976), in which he played an Israeli agent. In February 1970, Munshin suffered a heart attack. He died three days before his 55th birthday.