Bells Are Ringing Poster

Bells Are Ringing 1960

★ 6.350 votes126 min📅 1960-06-23

"The screen is singing M.G.M. is bringing Broadway's Bell-Ringer of a Musical to the World!"

Vincente Minnelli's *Bells Are Ringing (1960)* is a sparkling comedy-musical that blends romance, wit, and a touch of old-Hollywood charm.

Director: Vincente Minnelli

Cast

Judy Holliday
Judy Holliday
Ella Peterson
Dean Martin
Dean Martin
Jeffrey Moss
Fred Clark
Fred Clark
Larry Hastings
Eddie Foy Jr.
Eddie Foy Jr.
J. Otto Prantz
Jean Stapleton
Jean Stapleton
Sue
Ruth Storey
Gwynne
Dort Clark
Dort Clark
Inspector Barnes
Frank Gorshin
Frank Gorshin
Blake Barton
Ralph Roberts
Francis
Valerie Allen
Valerie Allen
Olga

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bells Are Ringing (1960) about?

*Bells Are Ringing* introduces Ella Peterson, a telephone operator who injects her humdrum days with excitement by adopting personas for her clients. When she becomes entangled in the life of a blocked playwright, her antics lead to romance, chaos, and a few surprisingly sweet revelations.

Who directed Bells Are Ringing?

The film was directed by Vincente Minnelli, the Oscar-winning visionary behind classics like *Singin' in the Rain* and *An American in Paris*.

Who stars in Bells Are Ringing?

The film stars Judy Holliday as Ella Peterson, Dean Martin as playwright Jeffrey Moss, and features supporting roles from Fred Clark, Jean Stapleton, and Eddie Foy Jr.

Is Bells Are Ringing (1960) worth watching?

With its charming performances, infectious songs, and Minnelli's polished direction, *Bells Are Ringing* is a delightful throwback to the golden age of musicals. Fans of Judy Holliday's comedic timing and retro rom-coms will find plenty to love here.

How long is Bells Are Ringing?

The runtime of *Bells Are Ringing* is 126 minutes, or just over two hours of pure musical entertainment.

🎥 Trailer

About Bells Are Ringing (1960) — Broadway-to-Hollywood Musical Magic with Judy Holliday

Vincente Minnelli's *Bells Are Ringing (1960)* is a sparkling comedy-musical that blends romance, wit, and a touch of old-Hollywood charm. Set against the bustling backdrop of 1960s Manhattan, the film follows Ella Peterson (Judy Holliday), a spirited telephone operator at Susanswerphone, an answering service where her job is to listen—literally—to the lives of others. To spice up her own monotonous routine, Ella invents personas for her clients, transforming their mundane problems into colorful adventures. Her most intriguing case? Playwright Jeffrey Moss (Dean Martin), a struggling artist on the verge of giving up, who becomes the unlikely recipient of her infectious enthusiasm and creative spark. As Ella's meddling leads to unexpected connections, the film explores themes of identity, serendipity, and the magic of second chances, all wrapped in a glossy MGM musical package.

With its catchy tunes, sharp dialogue, and Holliday's magnetic performance—earning her a Golden Globe—*Bells Are Ringing* is a celebration of urban energy and the small joys that make life sing. Directed by the legendary Minnelli, known for his visually inventive style, the movie balances humor and heart, making it a perfect pick for fans of classic rom-coms and musicals alike.