Duchess of Idaho (1950) User Reviews

From the 1940s into the '50s

[rossco-3 · 7/10 · 24 November 2007]

DUCHESS OF IDAHO (1950) is one of those lesser-known MGM/Joe Pasternak musicals that bridge the marathon musical spectaculars of the 1940s (BATHING BEAUTY, TWO GIRLS AND A SAILOR) and the more streamlined editions of the 1950s (EASY TO LOVE, Texas CARNIVAL, etc). But as with many of the '40s films DUCHESS is still more concerned with wit, music, and pure style than any kind of cohesive plot line. Musically we're still in the '40s big band mode here, and the songs, by some of MGM's lesser-hyped tunesmiths, are catchy, serviceable, and very 40-ish. (JAILHOUSE ROCK and Presley were still seven years in the future). A highlight is "Let's Choo Choo Choo to Idaho," arranged by Skip Martin, and performed on a train on route to Sun Valley by vivacious band singer Connie Haines, Van Johnson, and an African American quartet called the Jubalaires.

Lena Horne is also on hand with a few numbers, as is Eleanor Powell for one of her last big solo dances on film, and comedian Red Skelton also puts in a guest appearance. A none-singing Mel Torme briefly appears (as a bellhop), and ditto "Gunsmoke's" titian-haired Amanda Blake as one of Lund's rejected girlfriends). In the second female lead Paula Raymond is one of those obscure but promising MGM personalities who, however, never quite made a break through. In DUCHESS she shows glimmers of charm but is seriously handicapped by some of the clunkiest outfits in the usually impeccable MGM wardrobe.

The look of DUCHESS anticipates the peak Technicolor styling of such early 50s MGMs as LOVELY TO LOOK AT, YOUNG BESS, and SCARAMOUCHE. Many of the interiors are keyed to soft beiges and earth tones against which Esther's always-modish outfits (one of which includes slipper socks!) stand out in jolts of brilliance. And of course it wouldn't be an Esther Williams picture without a few aqua numbers though those featured here are some of her most restrained. (A nocturnal ski run with multi-colored torches also provides a trippy visual/musical interlude mid-film).

Someone once said about Esther that "Wet she's a star, but dry she ain't," but on the whole DUCHESS showcases the star's under-rated acting skills and her often-ironic sense of humor. ("You'll see Esther Williams swim and ski and skate and do a dozen thrilling things!" the movie book ads proclaimed). While as noted the plot is not the strongest, the dialogue (by three credited screenwriters) is witty, often sophisticated, and well-delivered by all involved, including deadpan MGM character staple, Clinton Sundberg, who mutters an on-going chorus of grumbling asides as Lund's much put-upon man Friday. DUCHESS OF IDAHO is the cover story for the August, 1950 issue of "Screen Stories" which also includes a full-page ad for the film in the prime MGM spot right next to the contents, indicating that the studio considered this one of their key box-office attractions for the summer.

Sisterhood

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 14 March 2010]

If the ski slopes of Sun Valley in Idaho seem a most unlikely place to find Esther Williams, for those of you who are fans fear not, for she does get a couple of numbers in a swimming pool.

Duchess Of Idaho casts Esther Williams and Paula Raymond as a pair of sisters who were once in the army. Esther is of course an aquatic star and Paula has settled down to work as a secretary for playboy millionaire railroad tycoon John Lund who uses Raymond to fend off the advances of females with marriage on their minds.

The rest of the film plays like a plot from I Love Lucy. Raymond is first elated to get an invitation from Lund for a working vacation in Sun Valley, but then she's told Lund is going it alone. Then Williams gets the Lucy Ricardo like idea to go to Sun Valley on the same train and play up to Lund with the idea that he'll send for Raymond to bail him out again and Raymond can finally get Lund.

It starts to work out that way, but Williams also meets bandleader Van Johnson on the same trip and she starts falling for him. But true to her sister and her mission she still plays for Lund. It all ends a bit happier than Lucy Ricardo's schemes did.

Nothing terribly memorable music wise comes from Duchess Of Idaho. The best number is from Lena Horne as a guest star who sings Baby Come Out Of The Clouds. Eleanor Powell has a specialty dance number and this turned out to be her farewell appearance on the big screen. Clinton Sundberg has a nice bit as Lund's valet, but for the life of me I could not see casting Mel Torme in a film as a bellhop and not giving him at least one number. My guess is they did and it ended up on the cutting room floor.

The film opens and closes with an Esther Williams water ballet for her fans. And it certainly establishes a reason for her to be in the Duchess Of Idaho. Her many legion of fans will like the film and it's a pleasant diversion for the rest of us.

Better than usual Esther Williams in plush Sun Valley surroundings...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 21 September 2006]

"You always have to have a plot. There's never an easy way of doing things." So says JOHN LUND in this typical ESTHER WILLIAMS movie based on the familiar mix-ups involved when nobody tells the truth.

The mix-ups begin when Esther offers to help secretary PAULR RAYMOND catch a rich playboy (Lund), suggesting a trip to romantic surroundings in Sun Valley, Idaho would help. Esther, in the meantime, is pursued by VAN JOHNSON, a bandleader at the resort, who soon melts her heart. In the interim, there are guest appearances by RED SKELTON (at a potato square-dance contest that is deftly done) and ELEANOR POWELL, who does a guest spot in the usual MGM manner of at first coyly refusing to dance when requested. Then she rips into an impromptu routine that had to be rehearsed for at least three weeks. So much for reality.

It's a strictly fun, escapist musical, which is all it pretends to be. ESTHER WILLIAMS and PAUL RAYMOND look gorgeous in their various Technicolor outfits and Esther gets to do a couple of swimming numbers in her usual charming manner. JOHN LUND and VAN JOHNSON do nicely in the romantic comedy department as the love interest for the gals.

If you like Esther, this one is for you.

Very Funny MGM film thanks to a charming cast

[donlockwoodsgirl · 4 May 2002]

If you want to Esther Williams in one of her better roles check this one out. While she still has two very nice water ballet sequences, the best parts of the movie involve the funny antics of its players. The cast is very good especially Williams and Van Johnson who have a great chemistry. It's no wonder they made 3 other movies together. Johnson is absolutely charming and Williams shows that she can do more than just swim. She definately holds her own.

Of course it is pretty easy to perdict what will happen, but it's still a lot of fun. It will definately puts a smile on the face. It's also very neat to see a very young Mel Torme as a messenger.

"Mother always said if you're going to catch a man you may have to catch cold, too."

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 1 May 2014]

Esther Williams tries to help her friend Paula Raymond land himbo John Lund. Why, I couldn't begin to tell you. Back in those days guys like this were considered dreamy I guess. Anyway, not surprisingly, Lund gets one look at Esther and goes gaga. Can't blame him there. Bandleader Van Johnson is also in love with Esther. So we have a good old-fashioned triangle...or rather, quadrangle.

The movie begins with Esther in a swimsuit doing an aquatic number, looking as lovely as ever. She is radiant throughout the picture, a goddess of technicolor. Paula Raymond is pretty and likable. The idea she would have to struggle to get any man is just something you'll have to suspend disbelief over. Notable for being Eleanor Powell's last film. She returned after being absent from the screen for six years (and becoming Mrs. Glenn Ford) to do this cameo where she gets to tap dance, which is always a treat. Red Skelton also has a cameo and Lena Horne sings a song. Also some songs by adorable Connie Haines. It's a light, fun movie. Not much swimming stuff despite Esther Williams being the star but it's a good one anyway.

A Colorful Musical Romance

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 30 April 2014]

If you can get past the irrelevant title of this film, you will find it's a solid vehicle for Esther Williams, who--remarkably!--plays an aquatic entertainer. As Christine Duncan, she gets involved in a plot to hook up her sister (Ellen Hallit, played by Paula Raymond) with the sister's boss (Douglas Morrissen, played by John Lund), a rich playboy businessman who sees her only as his secretary. Typical for its day, the plot revolves around getting him to notice her legs more than recognize what a great person she is.

Christine's swimming routines include long stretches of swimming underwater and hiding behind scenery, so that audiences cannot see her well. But viewers of this film are treated to underwater shots and close-ups of her languid stroking. So we know up-front that we have entered the world of a Hollywood fantasy and left reality behind--which is where it belongs in this very stylized story.

The sets and the sights are richly colored, the fashions are well-tailored and sharp, the musical numbers are enjoyable and eye-catching. They are also numerous, because (fortunately) the characters spend plenty of time visiting nightclubs and running into singers and dancers (like Lena Horne and Eleanor Powell). Such numbers interrupt the narrative, but are an integral part of the formula. The music is mostly of the big band genre, with some boogie woogie to spice things up.

As for the acting, Ms. Williams is, in my opinion, always competent. The other leads are also up to the task, though the emotional demands of the script are minimal. This is a lighthearted romance where the musical entertainment is a primary draw. I enjoyed it as such.

Old fashion fun

[ron-fernandez-pittsburgh · 6/10 · 21 March 2012]

DUCHESS OF IDAHO is a product of its time. Lavish costumes and settings done the MGM way. No one get dirty, everyone, including the men, are clean, made-up and stylishly dressed. Plot is fun...again, a plot that is a 'product' of its day. ESTHER WILLIAMS is really good in this one. I think she was an underrated actress. If you want pure escapist enjoyment, see DUCHESS OF IDAHO. And just look at that nightclub with its giant swimming pool. How on earth could the patrons see all the underwater stuff? And what nightclub could even afford something as extravagant as that. OH, I forgot...this is an MGM film. And if it's MGM in the 40's or 50's, don't expect realism. But that's the great thing about MGM..especially the musicals. Who wants reality??

A manhunt

[cwolf10 · 7/10 · 22 November 2019]

I have to say first - one if the best 50s sound track/film scores. Really brings out the authenticness of the film. Characters and story fit very nice too

With even more irrational dances than usual!

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 3 May 2014]

Whenever I watch an Esther Williams movie, I marvel at the strange and contrived ways they wove her swimming into films--films which have no reason to include swimming (such as this one, which mostly takes place at a snow resort). What I really like is when they put on HUGE stage productions--and these include underwater sequences that the audience could never possibly see (such as in this one, as the film opens). But my favorite in this movie is actually not by Ms. Williams but by Eleanor Powell. Van Johnson plays a band leader and he asks a guest, Ms. Powell (who plays herself) to a little impromptu dance for the other guests. She at first refuses and must be coaxed. Fine--that's understandable. However, she then begins dancing and her dress breaks away to reveal a sequined tap outfit AND suddenly her shoes become tap shoes!!! This ain't exactly spontaneous!!

John Lund plays Douglas Morrison, a rich playboy. His secretary, Ellen (Paula Raymond), is in love with him but he never seems to notice her. So, her roommate, Christine (Williams) comes up with a plan you'd only see in films--she'll vamp Morrison in order to help Ellen get him! Huh?! However, Christine is worried because she likes Dick (Van Johnson) and her dating Morrison gets in the way.

Overall, aside from cameos from Powell and Red Skelton, this is a pretty ordinary Esther Williams film. Not bad and very glossy but easy to skip, as it's so similar to most of Williams' films. I enjoy them but there is a definite sameness to them.

Vapid but harmless ball of fluff

[cutter-12 · 5/10 · 27 November 2005]

Esther Williams musicals have always made me squirm a bit, but here she's thankfully limited to just a couple of waterlogged numbers and spends most of her time romantically juggling John Lund and Van Johnson. This picture is as glossy and slight on story as they come, but it's an entertaining enough time waster and features the odd fun cameo by MGM stars assigned to the production to keep things lively, most notably Red Skelton and Eleanor Powell. Mel Torme and Amanda Blake are also visible in small roles. A few nice winter shots of Sun Valley and a couple of decent tunes but be warned - the only thing even remotely deep about this picture is the swimming pool.

An enjoyable feel good movie!

[LiquidPoetry1921 · 8/10 · 28 November 2005]

Watching this movie made for a very pleasant Sunday morning. It's a typical boy-gets-girl...boy-loses-girl...etc., film, but wholesome in its content and dialog. How refreshing to see Esther Williams portray a thoughtful friend in trying to assist in her roommate's quest for her bosses affection, with no malice or self serving interest. The chef to this boss provides some amusing lines - but some real smiles come when you see that Van Johnson's band isn't really playing their instruments (if you look close, you will see that the piano player only taps the tops of the keys!). Of course, there are the gratuitous swimming scenes to showcase Esther Williams ~ but you find yourself watching her movies to see how they'll weave in this angle each time! This movie serves the purpose for which it was intended - a little light hearted fluff to put a smile on your face. All in all, a pleasant way to accompany a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning.

Duchess of Idaho-Go Peel A Potato **1/2

[edwagreen · 5/10 · 22 May 2011]

The music is nice and Van Johnson proves that he can sing with the best of them. Amazing that Mel Torme is a bellhop who doesn't do any singing here.

The film is promising but is victimized by the writing of a girl schemes to get her girlfriend's boss to pay attention to her. She throws herself at the boss (John Lund), but along the way she falls for the band leader at the hotel, Johnson.

Look for Amanda Blake in a bit part as a woman victimized by the amorous Lund.

You will have to wonder until the near end of the film to discover why it got the title it did. Dancing between potatoes is a novelty.

As was the case with so many of the Esther Williams films, it ends with harried couples finding love after all.

great music

[jeffhanna3 · 1 June 2007]

Esther really shows off her flair for light comedy in this one, and for me - a lover of Esther Williams musicals - this one has the best music of them all...one great tune after another. Former band singer Connie Haines delivers two swinging songs and joins Van for another, and Lena Horne is in top form singing the hot number "Baby,Come Out Of The Clouds" in her glamorous style. Eleanor Powell tap dances to boogie woogie.

This is one of the films where we're supposed to believe that there is a huge nightclub with a giant swimming pool surrounded by chorus girls and filled with muscle men who strike poses with Esther...preposterous Hollywood fantasy, but that makes it all the more fun. A Technicolor delight.

No plot, just corny love tri-angles the performers seem to barely interested in. The color is that lush , warm variety that's a treat to see.

[cougarblue-696-806128 · 4/10 · 7 August 2019]

OK you need a new vehicle for your swimming star Esther Williams plot, story or not, doesn't matter, after all its Esther Williams the swimmer. Van Johnson plays a very animated bandleader playing one song that hit "Choo Choo Choo for Idaho over and over zzzzzz I've got all of Williams films and find that her gawd damn swimming is way out of place in 80% of them. Duchess of Idaho is another glaring example.

Charming, jolly and highly polished entertainment

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 11 February 2017]

Of the Esther Williams films seen so far, which is a vast majority of them, 'Duchess of Idaho' stands out as one of the best ones. As well as having one of her best performances.

Its only real faults are the story, which is very flimsy and with the odd implausible moment, and the waste of Mel Torme, a very talented performer with a beautiful voice with very little to do which is pretty shameful.

Conversely, Williams is captivating in a role that suits her perfectly, one of her best performances as aforementioned without a shadow of a doubt.

She is well supported by an appealing John Lund, charming Paula Raymond and a more at ease than usual Van Johnson, and she shares great chemistry with all three. 'Duchess of Idaho' is significant for being the last film of Eleanor Powell, who dances up a storm, while Lena Horne sings sublimely in one of the film's better songs.

'Duchess of Idaho' is shot in glorious Technicolor and sumptuously designed (the costumes are of the usual MGM glamour), while the direction goes at a bright and breezy pace and the film is full of jolly fun and emotive charm. The songs are pleasant and lively, and choreographed with grace and enthusiasm, and the script is amusing.

In summary, very entertaining and well done. Not a great film, but a very good one. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Eleanor Powell's Last Film Appearance

[Man99204 · 4/10 · 7 July 2016]

This is one of Esther William's weakest films.

I love Esther Williams. I love the type of movies she was famous for. But this is NOT one of her typical films. Sure, there are a couple of numbers done in water but they are mundane and lacking in excitement.

Williams was never a strong dramatic performer. This film was, allegedly, designed to showcase her "acting ability" rather than her swimming talents. This explains why the film is so weak over all. It deliberately showcases Williams weaknesses rather than plays to her strengths.

The plot is so preposterious, you wonder why any woman, even a "1950s Mentality Woman" would tolerate it. There so so many huge holes in the plot you could drive a Semi Truck through them!

The primary reason to see this film is that it contains the last film appearance of Eleanor Powell. Powell is seen in glorious technicolor - still a beautiful Lady and a tremendous dancer. Sadly, she is only seen on screen for about three minutes - doing one dance solo.

Another good reason to watch this film is for the rare performance of Paula Raymond. Raymond should have become a major star. She is one of the most beautiful women to appear in 1950s movies. She is also an accomplished actress.

Lena Horn is seen in one brief number - not one of her better performances. But, any film with Lena in it is better than one without her.

The audience is expected to believe that Esther William's character would prefer Van Johnson over John Lund. Perhaps it was because Johnson was gay in his personal life, but he can never quite convincingly play a "love interest". He has even less success making us believe that he could be a SINGER for a big band.

I recommend this film, reluctantly, it will provide some light entertainment and a chance to check out Powell's last performance on film and Paula Raymond.

This Spud's For You

[cutterccbaxter · 29 November 2005]

At first I was rather dismayed when Van and Esther arrived at Sun Valley and there wasn't any snow. Having no snow in a movie that is set, for the most part, in Sun Valley is like having a movie set in the Gobi Desert and having no sand. Eventually it snows and all is well in Sun Valley except for the romantic complications that develop. The movie ends happily although John Lund's character never learns to cook which is kind of sad. I was also hoping he would shave off his mustache. So the movie isn't perfect but it is a pleasant diversion. Esther does a good job both in and out the water. So does Van "Cannonball" Johnson.

boring with nice music

[SnoopyStyle · 4/10 · 21 September 2023]

Christine Riverton Duncan (Esther Williams) is the star of a successful water show. Her best friend Ellen Hallet (Paula Raymond) is secretly in love with her playboy boss Douglas J. Morrissen, Jr. (John Lund). She would pretend to be his fiancee to drive away his unwanted clingy partners. Of all things, he cancels her company trip with him to Sun Valley for ethics and appearance. Christine decides to play matchmaker. Since Douglas only calls on Ellen for help with a clingy partner, Christine sets off to play that clingy partner. Band leader Dick Layn (Van Johnson) is also headed to Sun Valley on the same train.

I really like Ellen and her predicament. After her story is introduced in the first act, she is suddenly out of the picture. It takes forever for her to return. The movie loses steam immediately. The only thing powering it is the music and the great performers making their cameos. Otherwise, this is rather boring. The two leads are not helping. Van Johnson is being annoying and Esther Williams is not good enough as an actor. Just fast forward to the music.

Good Esther Williams vehicle

[searchanddestroy-1 · 8/10 · 29 June 2022]

Please forget the topic, story, it's useless to pay attention to it; it is the classic comedy for families; only atmosphere, musical songs, dances and Esther Williams presence and charm counts. Van Johnson is of course in the affair, I know he was the kind of Williams' partner for many of her movies, he had the right look, face, presence, more than for instance Ted De Corsia. Have you ever seen Van Johnson play a mob leader? I don't think. Many audiences wait for a water sequence in an Esther Williams feature, that's the usual climax. Which has rarely something in common with the story. Just ballet in the water, Esther Williams's films trademark.

It happened in Sun Valley....again.

[estherwalker-34710 · 8/10 · 13 August 2021]

In one my favorite musical romances : "Sun Valley Serenade", one of the several hit songs in "It Happened in Sun Valley", 'it' being the budding romance between the characters played by John Payne and Sonja Henie Parts of this were filmed in Sun Valley, Idaho, not long after this status ski resort opened. The present film much reminds me of that film, also partly filmed at Sun Valley, with complicated romantic shenanigans, and skiing of the principles contributing to their romantic attraction...............Finally got to see this during TCM's 100th birthday salute to Esther Williams, after having seen most of her other films. I give most of her films high ratings.......... A variety of musical entertainers are featured, in addition to 2 water ballets, and the complex intertwining romantic story involving Paula Raymond, herself, and 2 leading men in the popular Van Johnson, in his 5th Esther movie, and John Lund, who, with his moustache, I think looks rather like Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.. Lund is decidedly the lesser star of the 2, and takes the second lead. Paula was good looking, but had 2 extremely brief marriages, and never became a big star. Here, she plays Ellen: Esther's roommate. She is secretary to Lund's character, and has a secrete crush on him. One evening she goes in a nightclub, and spots Lund, with a carrot-topped tart he would rather get rid of. Ellen comes over, and Lund introduces her as his fiancé, which causes the carrot top to leave. Lund invites Ellen to accompany him on a trip to Sun Valley. She's ecstatic, but later Lund changes his mind. Esther comes up with the hair-brained idea that she will take the same train to SV, try to establish a romantic relationship with Lund, and then somehow bring up the subject of Ellen, and his possible romantic interest in her. Ellen swallows the chancy plan. Esther gets dolled up for her trip, and catches the attention of both Lund and Van, who is the conductor for the train band(?). The 2 men start making moves on her. Esther encourages Lund, but discourages Van. Meanwhile, Van leads the band and cute, petite, vivacious, Big Band singer Connie Haines sings "Choo Choo Choo to Idaho". She is followed by the African American group of porters and singers: The Jabalaires. I should mention that Lena Horne sang at that nightclub in Chicago. Unfortunately, her 2nd song was cut, as the film was getting longer than desired. Presumably, it was the same story for Mel Torme who, surprisingly, doesn't sing, rather acting as a bell boy or other functionary periodically............. Once they get to SV, Esther still discourages Van's attempts to interest her. Van again leads the orchestra at SV. Connie, along with a male backup, sings again, and Van, with top hat and glasses, finishes it off in a comical style. Famous film dancer Eleanor Powell, In her last Hollywood film appearance, then gives a sampling of her distinctive dancing. .............. Lund is called to Chicago, so Van again tries to establish a relationship with Esther. It goes badly at first, but he finally gets his foot in her room door, and they make up. Thus far, we've seen no snow. Now, suddenly, there is plenty of snow, so Esther and Van go skiing, and riding on a dog sled. This is the part that most reminds me of "Sun Valley Serenade". Then, the 2 go to a dance competition. The female of the pair who dance the longest while holding an Idaho potato between their foreheads is named The Duchess of Idaho. Naturally, Esther and Van win............Meanwhile, in Chicago, Lund takes Ellen to dinner, and mentions that he met a girl in SV who intrigues him, thus, he wants to return to SV and follow up on her. Ellen figures out that this girl is Esther, and, on the phone, tells her to return to Chicago, fearing that Esther's scheme has gone amok. Ellen and Lund then separately journey to SV. Things between the 4 get testy. The girls return to Chicago together, while the guys somehow? Beat them to their apartment and somehow? Enter and cook dinner for the girls! Initially, the girl's emotions run wild, before settling down to finish the film in happy formulistic fashion.