But I felt this film really works as an ensemble, and despite her gusto Monroe actually pales next to some of the other actors. Ethel Merman really steals the show as the matriarch of the family. It's also clear that the other actors including Donald O'Connor and Mitzi Gaynor, relished their roles and give it plenty of gusto. Business Like Show Business is a fun, glossy Hollywood musical that may not be totally compelling, but showcases some great talent and always entertains. Of the five films in Fox's Diamond Collection, the production notes indicate that this film was in the best shape, due to proper storage.
Colors are vibrant and stable, and the production numbers beautifully rendered.
Fleshtones are very natural. The print is free of annoying blemishes, and the only complaint would be some distracting grain in certain shots, and some artifacts that can be seen in the shifting colors and patterns on solid walls. I noticed no edge enhancement, and blacks are deep with no fading and contrast very good. Shadow detail is quite good, so good in fact that you can sometimes see flaws in the stage props, though some shots remain on the soft side. But for a film almost fifty years old, this looks great, and Fox's attention to detail is impressive.