July 14, 2010 4:31 pm
It’s an awkward scene. John Goodman has a lousy role (and I’m not fond of the direction for him or Melanie Griffith here). I’ve never seen the movie, “Born Yesterday,” and I don’t know the context.
But ten important amendments to the Constitution, to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” a potentially useful mnemonic device for your U.S. history, and government students; it’s mostly accurate:
There is some skipping around — the song covers the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments, then skips to the Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Eighteenth, and Nineteenth Amendments. The First Amendment’s five freedoms are covered completely, other amendments not so much.
The actor in the scene, playing the senator who sings the Fifteenth Amendment, is former Tennessee U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson. Thompson staffed the Watergate Committee chaired by Sen. Sam Ervin of North Carolina, earlier — wouldn’t it be interesting to hear his views on this scene, and song, and what other tricks he may have encountered in the Senate, from Sen. Ervin, or the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd?
It’s not Schoolhouse Rock, but it’s really very good. Everything covered in the song is in Texas TEKS, but some things skipped, like the Fourteenth Amendment, are also required. Can you use it in your classes?
And by the way, does anyone know a rap for the Bill of Rights?
Tip of the old scrub brush to the Facebook status of the Bill of Rights Institute.
Posted by Ed Darrell
Categories: 6th Amendment, Bill of Rights, Fifth Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment, Fourth Amendment, Government, History, Law, Learning, Learning styles, Memory Tricks, Mnemonics, Music, Teaching, U.S. Constitution
Tags: Amendments to the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Born Yesterday, Government, History, Law, Melanie Griffith, Memory Tricks, Mnemonic Devices, Movies, Teaching Songs, U.S. Constitution
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What happened to Amendment 27?
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By Ed Darrell on December 31, 2014 at 8:36 pm
Thank you, Mr. Sallis!
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By Ed Darrell on December 31, 2014 at 8:35 pm
Amendment Song: http://youtu.be/o03XUdwJtqI
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By Jay Sallis on December 31, 2014 at 8:01 pm
Using Bing, I found the Judy Holliday version on YouTube in about 14 segments. Broderick Crawford played the crooked construction guy in that version. Holliday really is a ditz. She was incredible, and gets way too little appreciation.
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By Ed Darrell on July 15, 2010 at 11:37 am
I don’t believe there are songs in the original..except that Judy Holliday sings “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” while she’s playing cards. I think that’s it. I mentioned it because you said you had not seen the original. I have not seen the remake because, although Griffith is certainly a talented actress, she’s no Judy Holliday and I like John Goodman and don’t want to see him in such a brutal role.
There’s a stunning scene of Billie in the Rotunda, and her realization of just how wonderful this country is. It’s also a marvelous portrayal of how journalists should be, although perhaps that’s something that never really was.
When next I can do YouTube, though, I’ll watch the clip.
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By Ellie on July 15, 2010 at 6:28 am
Ellie, is the song about the Amendments in the original?
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By Ed Darrell on July 14, 2010 at 9:22 pm
I still can’t do YouTube, and I don’t know a rap, but I do recommend that you see the original movie with Judy Holliday. It’s dated, yes, but the excitement and wonder she protrays while learning about our government and how it’s supposed to work, still moves me.
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By Ellie on July 14, 2010 at 8:08 pm