Angela Lansbury - Goodbye, little yellow bird (The picture of Dorian Gray, 1945)

AND IN A PLAINTIVE TONE SAID SHE

Recordamos el 92 cumpleaños de la actriz Angela Lansbury con este segmento de su tercera película, El retrato de Dorian Gray (1945), meritoria adaptación de la célebre novela de Oscar Wilde (también nacido en 16 de octubre) dirigida por Albert Lewin para Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Por el papel de Sibyl Vane, la intérprete británica logró un Globo de Oro y una segunda candidatura al Oscar a la mejor actriz de reparto. En el video se la puede contemplar cantando Goodbye, little yellow bird, una vieja canción de 1903 compuesta por C.W. Murphy y William Hargreaves. En la secuencia aparecen también Billy Bevan y Hurd Hatfield.

Goodbye, little yellow bird  (lyrics)

The snow was very plentiful
And crumbs were very few
When a weather-beaten sparrow
Through a mansion window flew.
Her eye fell on a golden cage;
A handsome yellow bird.
He said to her: "Miss Sparrow,
I've been struck by Cupid's arrow.
Would you share my cage with me?"
She looked at his castle
With its ribbon and its tassel,
And in a plaintive tone said she:
"Goodbye, little yellow bird.
I'd rather brave the cold
On a leafless tree
Than a prisoner be
In a cage of gold".

The spoiled and petty yellow bird
Could scarce believe it true
That a common sparrow should refuse
A bird with blood so blue
He told her the advantages
Of riches and of gold.
She answered that her liberties
For gold could not be sold.
She said "I must be going".
But he cried "No, no, it's snowing
And the wintry winds do blow.
Stay with me, my little dearie,
For without you 'would be dreary".
But she only signed "Ah, no".
"Goodbye, little yellow bird.
I'd gladly mate with you.
I love you, little yellow bird,
But I love my freedom too.
So goodbye, little yellow bird.
I'd rather brave the cold
On a leafless tree
Than a prisoner be
In a cage of gold".