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The 20th Century Fox Mambo is an original song first featured in The Callbacks, the second episode of Season One. It was written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Background[]

The song was first performed by Karen Cartwright in her callback for the Marilyn workshop.

It is reprised during various other points in the series, including versions by Ivy Lynn and Rebecca Duvall, although these were not released as singles.

It appears on the Bombshell cast album and The Complete Season One album.

Context in Bombshell[]

In the context of Bombshell, the number occurs as Norma Jeane finds herself in the middle of a contract with 20th Century Fox, around 1946. This is when she lands a screen test, with the help of 20th Century Fox executive Ben Lyon. She selects the name Marilyn Monroe for herself, and this number sees the transformation from Norma Jeane into Marilyn.

It was written by Tom Levitt and Julia Houston and was first performed at callbacks for the New York Marilyn workshop, with Karen Cartwright as Marilyn Monroe.

Lyrics[]

Norma Jeane:
At Paramount, it's "ooh la la"
The Warner Brothers "cha cha cha"
And L.B. Mayer loves his schmaltz
So MGM made The Great Waltz

But the 20th Century Foxtrot
It's precious but precious, it's not hot
To make the big boys hire me
Please make that rhythm fiery

Come on, boys and girls
Make me over!

In this factory where dreams can come true
Are you ready to make someone new?
You're the team that must teach me to do
The 20th Century Fox Mambo!

Done the homework, and I'll pass the test
I'll do whatever my teachers suggest
I can do it clothed or undressed
The 20th Century Fox Mambo!

Make it up, shake it up

Norma Jeane with 20th Century Fox Staff:
Let the fantasies begin

Norma Jeane:
Here's the dope:
To get cast, change the past

Norma Jeane with 20th Century Fox Staff:
Make the light just right for CinemaScope!

Norma Jeane:
Take a gamble, 'cause it's safe to bet
Mr. Zanuck ain't seen nothing yet
When we're finished, he'll never forget

Norma Jeane with 20th Century Fox Staff:
This 20th Century Fox

20th Century Fox Staff:
For fame
Play the game
Change your name
To the 20th Century Fox!

Marilyn with 20th Century Fox Staff:
Make it up! Shake it up!

Marilyn:
Make me feel like the main attraction
Change the clothes, fix the nose
And then five, six, seven, eight, action!

Now I'm blonde, but I ain't so dumb
Hollywood will be under my thumb
I'll change partners until I become

Marilyn with 20th Century Fox Staff:
The 20th Century Fox

Marilyn:
Mambo!

Appearances in Smash[]

Season Episode Performers Released
Season One The Callbacks Tom Levitt No
Karen Cartwright Yes
The Cost of Art Ivy Lynn No
The Workshop Ivy Lynn No
Tech Rebecca Duvall No
Previews Rebecca Duvall No
Bombshell Karen Cartwright No
Season Two The Producers Ivy Lynn and Kathie Lee Gifford No

Videos[]

Smash_-_The_20th_Centuy_Fox_Mambo_HD

Smash - The 20th Centuy Fox Mambo HD

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