This MGM musical might just win the award for the weirdest musical of all time...or at least until the film "The Apple" debuted in 1980. It's a one-of-a-kind strange film...that's for sure.
The film is set in the mythical South American nation of Patria. A young lady in a convent (Lucille Bremer) is about to reach her 18 birthday and assume control over a HUGE corporation that practically owns the nation. However, she's feeling completely overwhelmed and prays for divine assistance. Well, it happens that a devilish thief (Fred Astaire) heard her prayer and decides to become her guardian angel--and thereby rob her of her fortune. However, like you'd expect in an old time musical, Fred is torn and just can't bring himself to hurt poor Lucille. What's next? Well, I won't say but I will say it gets a lot weirder yet!! This is brainless fun...but clearly brainless. It's not a particularly good script and the film also suffers from a couple dance numbers that are too long and time-consuming--most likely to cover for the fact the film just hasn't got much of a plot. Worth seeing for Astaire lovers---all others be careful!
By the way, if you do see the film look at the opening number. This must be the most sexually repressed imaginary country on the planet, as the folks shower while dressed!! You wonder how (and IF) they make love!
The film is set in the mythical South American nation of Patria. A young lady in a convent (Lucille Bremer) is about to reach her 18 birthday and assume control over a HUGE corporation that practically owns the nation. However, she's feeling completely overwhelmed and prays for divine assistance. Well, it happens that a devilish thief (Fred Astaire) heard her prayer and decides to become her guardian angel--and thereby rob her of her fortune. However, like you'd expect in an old time musical, Fred is torn and just can't bring himself to hurt poor Lucille. What's next? Well, I won't say but I will say it gets a lot weirder yet!! This is brainless fun...but clearly brainless. It's not a particularly good script and the film also suffers from a couple dance numbers that are too long and time-consuming--most likely to cover for the fact the film just hasn't got much of a plot. Worth seeing for Astaire lovers---all others be careful!
By the way, if you do see the film look at the opening number. This must be the most sexually repressed imaginary country on the planet, as the folks shower while dressed!! You wonder how (and IF) they make love!