Here is Audrey's own vocal track for this number. Audrey sang only one line in the released film: "Sleep, sleep, I couldn't sleep tonight..." Everything else was replaced by Marni Nixon, as were the other songs (except for the opening of "Just You Wait").. Marni competed against other singers, including Lita Tovey, Felicity Page, Julie Sutton, Mariette Midgeley, Gaynor Rees, and Evelyn Sharpe, in a blinded test run by George Cukor, Andre Previn and Bobby Tucker. When they couldn't decide, Rudy Fehr (head of post-production) said, "In my opinion, there's just one girl who is perfect for this part and that's Marni Nixon." When Audrey heard that almost all her singing was to be replaced, she stormed off the set. The next day she came back and apologized for her "wicked behavior." Here's how I made it: 1. Removed the film soundtrack (except for Audrey's one line).. 2. Synched Audrey's piano / vocal track to the film. This was tough, as the track was a rehearsal track only and bore no connection to the tempo or phrasing of the track used for filming. It had to be edited, stretched and compressed to make it match her lip movement (the video was also altered). 3. Re-inserted the maids, by stripping most of Marni out (you can still hear her in the background). 4. Added the orchestral backing. This came from two professional backing tracks that I purchased - both in the wrong key and tempo! Also very difficult to match. 5. Gave Audrey her public hearing at last! .

Be the first to comment