Abbe Lane was an actress, singer, and later author. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contribution to television. Many people may not know her name.
In this clip, Abbe Lane sings "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy" live on "The Ed Sullivan Show." The song was from the famous broadway musical South Pacific.
Oscar Hammerstein II wrote the song "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy" to express the excitement of the character Nellie. She has fallen in love with Emile, a man she met on a Polynesian island, where she's stationed as a Navy nurse.
Abbe Lane sings the song with the same excitement. She wears a lovely black dress with a sheer cape, trimmed with fur along the edges. Lane was known for dressing in a sultry manner.
During her time, Lane was often considered too attractive for performances. She'd frequently be asked to change outfits to appear on television.
Lane sings the refrain: "I'm as trite and as gay as a daisy in May, / A cliché comin' true! / I'm bromidic and bright / As a moon-happy night / Pourin' light on the dew!" The song is all about acknowledging that being in love can sound like a cliche experience, but it's real.
Lane gives the audience a big smile and a little bow at the end of her performance. Her song reminds listeners that being in love is wonderful, especially with someone wonderful.
