To create a wee bit o'Scotland for the film version of the stage hit, Brigadoon, MGM had to construct indoors one of Hollywood's biggest, fanciest outdoor sets. Rolling moors, sturdy enough to support a troupe of Highland fling dancers, were planted with heather (California sage sprayed with lavender paint). Low-lying Scottish mists were made with dry ice, more buoyant fogs with vaporized oil. Clumps of huge plastic trees were rigged with live foliage, and a 75-foot stream was tuned up to gurgle musically through the glens. Hollywood and outlying areas were combed for bagpipers, who had to be taught to read music because most bagpipers play by ear. Their cacophony was recorded outdoors so it would sound suitably over-the-hills-and-far-away.
All this results in a visually delightful movie, which, like the Broadway show, has some pretty songs and is strongest in its dance department. Its dancer-hero is Gene Kelly who, visiting Scotland to shoot grouse with a friend (Van Johnson), stumbles upon the magical village of Brigadoon which comes to life only once every hundred years. Kelly has to decide whether to return to the world or remain in the peaceful village for eternity with a local lass (Cyd Charisse) - a decision not hard to make considering the state of the outer world and the charms of Brigadoon and Miss Charisse.
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images and info provided by the LIFE Magazine / LIFE Magazine International / LIFE Magazine Atlantic ARCHIVE from the Zetu Harrys Collection
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