All I remembered was a silly plot, with gambler Dan Dailey and ballerina Cyd Charisse winning at roulette every time they hold hands. It's unimposing stuff, and while screenwriter Isobel Lennart always gave her women characters more to act than most of her male counterparts, this is a pretty thin plot peg. But this wide-screen MGM musical from 1956 does have a lot to recommend it. Dailey, much more of an actor than most dancers, is at his most appealing here, in a glove-fitting role (you only wish he had more to dance), and Charisse, never the most nimble of actresses, loosens up more than usual, looks as sensational as ever, and dances like a dream. There's a fun supporting cast including Lili Darvas, Agnes Moorehead, Jim Backus, a scheming Paul Henreid, and Liliane Montevecchi (decades later, Charisse would replace her on Broadway in "Grand Hotel"), a slew of specialty acts, and, best of all, a Cinemascope look at what Vegas looked like in the '50s. What great cars, great clothes, great colors, how luxe and overstuffed it all is. Produced by Joe Pasternak, who never had as sure a touch as his Metro counterpart Arthur Freed, and directed anonymously by Roy Rowland, it's longer than it has to be and has few surprises. But there's plenty to look at, and we do buy the central romance and want these two to end up together.
23 Reviews
Las Vegas in the fifties
jotix10011 April 2006
"Meet me in Las Vegas" was not one of MGM's most elaborate musicals. As directed by Roy Rowland, this film, seen today, is like a trip down memory lane as it gives the viewer an opportunity to see the way Las Vegas looked back in the days when the film was done. That little town is nowhere to be found in the new Las Vegas, a city that, at best, looks like a theme park today. Isobel Lennart is credited with the screen play.
The story centers around two opposites that are as different as day and night. If we believe that Maria Corvier, a first class ballerina has been asked to appear, in all places, one of the big rooms of a hotel, then everything is possible. That she will find love when she meets the down to earth rancher, Chuck Rodwell, that's stretching it a bit too much. But we are not in a real place, we are in movie land where everything is possible.
As a musical, there are a few good moments, especially the "Frankie and Johnny" ballet, in which Cyd Charisse does a marvelous job. The other fun thing in the film is the way some Hollywood stars are seen in cameo roles that come and go too quickly. Thus we see Frank Sinatra, Peter Lorre, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Martin, Vic Damone in fleeting moments throughout the film.
Dan Dailey plays Chuck with his usual ease. The best thing in the film though, is Cyd Charisse, a lovely dancer, and actress that never got her due in the movies. We also see some familiar faces in minor roles, Agnes Moorehead, Lili Darvas, Jim Backus, Cara Williams, and the fine singers Lena Horne and Frankie Laine.
"Meet me in Las Vegas" could have used some trimming, then, perhaps, it might have made a better trip to Vegas.
The story centers around two opposites that are as different as day and night. If we believe that Maria Corvier, a first class ballerina has been asked to appear, in all places, one of the big rooms of a hotel, then everything is possible. That she will find love when she meets the down to earth rancher, Chuck Rodwell, that's stretching it a bit too much. But we are not in a real place, we are in movie land where everything is possible.
As a musical, there are a few good moments, especially the "Frankie and Johnny" ballet, in which Cyd Charisse does a marvelous job. The other fun thing in the film is the way some Hollywood stars are seen in cameo roles that come and go too quickly. Thus we see Frank Sinatra, Peter Lorre, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Martin, Vic Damone in fleeting moments throughout the film.
Dan Dailey plays Chuck with his usual ease. The best thing in the film though, is Cyd Charisse, a lovely dancer, and actress that never got her due in the movies. We also see some familiar faces in minor roles, Agnes Moorehead, Lili Darvas, Jim Backus, Cara Williams, and the fine singers Lena Horne and Frankie Laine.
"Meet me in Las Vegas" could have used some trimming, then, perhaps, it might have made a better trip to Vegas.
Cyd Charisse shows off her versatility (from ballet to burlesque) in okay musical.
johnedit-213 May 2000
Modestly, very modestly, entertaining romance/musical is worth seeing only for Cyd ("Legs for Days") Charisse dancing at her best; and her acting is better than usually.
Plot has rancher Dan Dailey and ballet star Charisse fall for each other in Las Vegas. Charisse shows off her versatility in two dancing ballets, a burlesque bump and grind, an "Oklahoma"-esque cowboy dance, and in a "Frankie and Johnny" number as well-sung by Sammy Davis Jr.
The dance numbers were choreographed by one of Hollywood's all-time best choreographers, Hermes Pan, and they show off Charisse at her leggy best. The burleque number is a hoot and the second ballet is high camp.
Other musical numbers are by Jerry Calonna, Lena Horne and Frankie Lane. Dailey even does a song and dance with Japanese kid singer Mitsuko Sawamura (from "Tea House of the August Moon").
Watch carefully for brief cameos by Frank Sinatra, Pier Angeli, Debbie Reynolds and Peter Lorre (he's a blackjack player saying "Hit me"!). George Chakiris (credited as George Kerris) has a brief role too.
It looks like a lot of mid-50s casinos helped with the filming, so there are no Godfathers behind the scenes. Vegas appears positively plain compared to today's glitz.
If you're into this type of show you'll love it.
Plot has rancher Dan Dailey and ballet star Charisse fall for each other in Las Vegas. Charisse shows off her versatility in two dancing ballets, a burlesque bump and grind, an "Oklahoma"-esque cowboy dance, and in a "Frankie and Johnny" number as well-sung by Sammy Davis Jr.
The dance numbers were choreographed by one of Hollywood's all-time best choreographers, Hermes Pan, and they show off Charisse at her leggy best. The burleque number is a hoot and the second ballet is high camp.
Other musical numbers are by Jerry Calonna, Lena Horne and Frankie Lane. Dailey even does a song and dance with Japanese kid singer Mitsuko Sawamura (from "Tea House of the August Moon").
Watch carefully for brief cameos by Frank Sinatra, Pier Angeli, Debbie Reynolds and Peter Lorre (he's a blackjack player saying "Hit me"!). George Chakiris (credited as George Kerris) has a brief role too.
It looks like a lot of mid-50s casinos helped with the filming, so there are no Godfathers behind the scenes. Vegas appears positively plain compared to today's glitz.
If you're into this type of show you'll love it.
So Why Wasn't Tony Martin Cast?
bkoganbing19 January 2006
One of the great blunders committed by MGM was the fact that Cyd Charisse was never cast opposite her husband Tony Martin. Right around this time musicals were winding down, but Tony and Cyd were just getting started on a joint nightclub act that made them a premier attraction around the country for many years.
Don't get me wrong, Dan Dailey is a fine performer and he did a good job in the male lead role. But I would love to have seen Tony Martin playing the role of the rancher who gets on a hot winning streak at the Las Vegas casinos after he holds Cyd Charisse's hand. Making matters worse is the fact that Tony Martin does do one of the unbilled cameos in this film.
Cyd Charisse has some fine dance numbers, especially the Frankie and Johnny finale where she danced to the famous blues song sung offscreen by Sammy Davis, Jr. Dan Dailey has some good numbers as well, he does a nice soft shoe routine with a young Japanese girl to My Lucky Charm which was earlier sung by Jerry Colonna.
The nice thing about this film is the fact that because of the Las Vegas location you can integrate a whole lot of celebrities doing numbers and not have it mess with the story. Lena Horne, Frankie Laine and Jerry Colonna all do some nice musical numbers. Around the casinos one will spot besides Tony Martin, Debbie Reynolds, Peter Lorre, and the man most identified with the Vegas scene shortly, Frank Sinatra.
Other members of the cast that have good supporting roles are Jim Backus as the casino manager, Agnes Moorehead as Dailey's mother, and Paul Henreid as Charisse's manager. Some of Henreid's performance seems to be modelled on that of Charisse's first husband Nico, according to the stories Charisse told in her joint memoirs with Tony Martin.
Meet Me in Las Vegas is good musical entertainment, but what a blown opportunity not to have had Tony and Cyd as leads in a musical.
Don't get me wrong, Dan Dailey is a fine performer and he did a good job in the male lead role. But I would love to have seen Tony Martin playing the role of the rancher who gets on a hot winning streak at the Las Vegas casinos after he holds Cyd Charisse's hand. Making matters worse is the fact that Tony Martin does do one of the unbilled cameos in this film.
Cyd Charisse has some fine dance numbers, especially the Frankie and Johnny finale where she danced to the famous blues song sung offscreen by Sammy Davis, Jr. Dan Dailey has some good numbers as well, he does a nice soft shoe routine with a young Japanese girl to My Lucky Charm which was earlier sung by Jerry Colonna.
The nice thing about this film is the fact that because of the Las Vegas location you can integrate a whole lot of celebrities doing numbers and not have it mess with the story. Lena Horne, Frankie Laine and Jerry Colonna all do some nice musical numbers. Around the casinos one will spot besides Tony Martin, Debbie Reynolds, Peter Lorre, and the man most identified with the Vegas scene shortly, Frank Sinatra.
Other members of the cast that have good supporting roles are Jim Backus as the casino manager, Agnes Moorehead as Dailey's mother, and Paul Henreid as Charisse's manager. Some of Henreid's performance seems to be modelled on that of Charisse's first husband Nico, according to the stories Charisse told in her joint memoirs with Tony Martin.
Meet Me in Las Vegas is good musical entertainment, but what a blown opportunity not to have had Tony and Cyd as leads in a musical.
Legs
valenzadv3 May 2022
No one can dance like Cyd Charise. Her grace is captivating. It's like watching a ballet. Her technique is purely her own style. She was ahead of her time with her routines. I recommend this movie for anyone who enjoys watching colorful costumes and playful, entertaining dancers.
Sparkling musical has something for everyone.
earlytalkie11 March 2017
MEET ME IN LAS VEGAS comes in toward the end of MGM's golden age. A fun story here about a gambler (Dan Dailey) who only has luck while holding the hand of ballerina Cyd Charisse. Cyd has several gorgeous dance numbers here, including a stunning "Frankie and Johnny" with vocal by Sammy Davis, Jr. The film is crammed to the gunwales with guest stars including Lena Horne, Jerry Colonna, Frankie Laine, and an adorable young Japanese singer named Mitsuko Sawamura. There are many fleeting cameos, too including Peter Lorre, Frank Sinatra and Debbie Reynolds. Special mention should be made of Cara Williams' smashing rendition of "I Refuse To Rock And Roll," where she sets the screen on fire. Agnes Moorehead is effective as Dailey's Mother. A sharp eye will notice Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou from THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW) in a tiny part. This film is a product of 1956, set in the US's gaudiest city, and the colorful decor is properly gaudy. Car lovers will swoon over the red 1956 Lincoln convertible Dan Dailey drives in the picture. This is done in Eastman Color, which is notorious for fading, but this print has gorgeous color that could easily be mistaken for Technicolor. The sound is clear and robust, and does justice to the many musical numbers. You could find many worse ways to spend two hours than by enjoying the many charms of MEET ME IN LAS VEGAS.
Anything Cyd Charisse is in is worth watching.
silvrdal23 February 2010
Okay, so "Singing in the Rain" it's not, it's still better than... okay, I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but it's an enjoyable movie with lots of singing, dancing, pretty colors and fun cameos from a host of stars. AND it has the best version of "Frankie & Johnny" I've ever heard -- courtesy of Sammy Davis Jr.
Cyd Charisse is in the top ten of 'the-most-gorgeous-and-talented-women-to-ever-appear-in-movies'. She is displayed like a flawless multi-carat gemstone in "Meet Me in Las Vegas". In fact, there are so many gorgeous women in this movie my eyes bugged out. Wowie-wow-wOw!
If you don't like musicals, forget this one, it's just a cute diversion. If you DO like musicals, don't miss this one. It's a tad long, but it's still a winner.
Cyd Charisse is in the top ten of 'the-most-gorgeous-and-talented-women-to-ever-appear-in-movies'. She is displayed like a flawless multi-carat gemstone in "Meet Me in Las Vegas". In fact, there are so many gorgeous women in this movie my eyes bugged out. Wowie-wow-wOw!
If you don't like musicals, forget this one, it's just a cute diversion. If you DO like musicals, don't miss this one. It's a tad long, but it's still a winner.
On which corner, Cyd?
ptb-817 June 2006
This almost unknown musical, like the (better) also forgotten IT'S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER (1955) are two of MGM's real treasurebox surprises: modern time musicals instead of fantasy or historical setting musicals. VEGAS is yes, an advertisement for Las Vegas.... and the pre ratpack snazzy nightclub 1955 Las Vegas we all can dream about having been able to visit. With excellent MGM star cameos and even stylish and breathtaking Lena Horne solos this is a raucous rude musical with star turns in slot machine heaven. Jerry Colonna hosts a genuinely riotous number called 'My Lucky Charm" with showgirls dressed in such a funny array of hilarious goofy costumes, I am sure Mel Brooks pinched the 'look' when adding a new level of ridiculous to 'Springtime For Hitler" in "The Producers". The same idea turns up a year later in PAL JOEY with the "My Funny Valentine" tawdriness and costumes. It is a really funny number and as other commenters on this site will tell you, has Cyd wander drunk onto the stage and hilariously wreck the whole routine. The ballet sequence: Frankie and Johnny is a sensation and appears in one of the MGM That's Entertainment/ Dancing films. However, one really scary and sinister dance number is called 'The Girl in the Yellow Collar" with rough bumpkin men hounding Cyd alone around a tree, and is almost like a pack rape scenario. It is a horrible number, subconsciously un nerving with all these lustful rednecks pursuing this gorgeous dancer like a pack of sex hungry men. Otherwise this film is a dance and time/vogue sensation and well worth seeing in Cinemascope.... not the irritating and ridiculous pan and scan cropping of VHS.
if by "crapshoot" you mean "shooting a crappy tourist ad masquerading as a movie"...
crispy_comments20 February 2006
Why do I feel like I'm watching a long commercial for Las Vegas casinos and resorts?
Probably because the plot is terribly thin: an unlucky gambler discovers he can't lose as long as he's holding a dancer's hand - a frosty workaholic dancer who's never had time for love. Will she thaw? Will they get together? Will their love last if their winning streak doesn't?
You may wonder, how can a movie stretch out such a simple story over 112 minutes? By pausing frequently to allow then-current Vegas acts to strut their stuff! It feels like the filmmakers are saying, "Here's a preview of some spectacular shows you can see if you come on down to Las Vegas right now! Don't you want to see more? Y'know, we had to censor the girls' numbers for this movie...so come check them out in the flesh and you'll see a LOT more. Flesh, that is. Well anyway... COME TO VEGAS!"
Geez, there's even a lengthy montage of billboards at various nightclubs so we can see all the names flashing in lights and know exactly who's performing, and where. I wonder if these people paid for the plug? It would be like some studio making a movie today, set in Vegas, and showing a bit of Celine Dion's act to attract more business her way. It's just...tacky. But then, so is Vegas. And Celine. They're a perfect tacky match. A much more convincing match than Cyd & Dan are in this movie. (See how I got back on topic there?)
Anyway, I never had the desire to hit the casinos, and I'm even less interested in visiting the City of Sin now. The harder this film tries to convince me that you win more often than you lose, and everybody in Vegas is so gosh darn nice - the less I buy it.
The celebrity cameos are kinda fun (in a "oh, there's so-and-so, I'm surprised" way, not because they're actually *doing* anything amusing), but pointless (unless the point is to show us that these celebs endorse Vegas - ooh maybe we'll spot 'em there! Let's go!) Dan Dailey is a grinning fool. Agnes Moorehead is good, but wasted in a tiny part. Cyd Charisse has some funny moments, even if she is basically repeating the same kind of role she played in "Silk Stockings" - complete with comical tipsy scene. Once she was uptight. Now she's just tight and barely upright. Haw!
I guess this is considered a musical, but unlike the best musicals, the songs in "Meet Me In Las Vegas" are not integrated into the story (what story?) - They do not help propel the plot forward. Instead, the action simply stops for an unrelated musical number. The songs aren't particularly memorable, and the choreography is uninspired. Cyd gets her chance to dance, but I kept getting distracted by the fact that I'd seen all these moves before! Oh, there's the step she did in "Singin' In The Rain", and she did *that* in "The Bandwagon"...etc, etc.
Not the worst movie in the world - just insubstantial, blatantly commercial and mercenary. I prefer movies that at least *appear* to have a higher goal than just trying to sell me something. I also enjoy clever dialogue and deeper characterization. Am I asking too much? Okay, how about some catchy songs? No? Well, I took a chance on this movie, and I lost. Better luck next time!
Probably because the plot is terribly thin: an unlucky gambler discovers he can't lose as long as he's holding a dancer's hand - a frosty workaholic dancer who's never had time for love. Will she thaw? Will they get together? Will their love last if their winning streak doesn't?
You may wonder, how can a movie stretch out such a simple story over 112 minutes? By pausing frequently to allow then-current Vegas acts to strut their stuff! It feels like the filmmakers are saying, "Here's a preview of some spectacular shows you can see if you come on down to Las Vegas right now! Don't you want to see more? Y'know, we had to censor the girls' numbers for this movie...so come check them out in the flesh and you'll see a LOT more. Flesh, that is. Well anyway... COME TO VEGAS!"
Geez, there's even a lengthy montage of billboards at various nightclubs so we can see all the names flashing in lights and know exactly who's performing, and where. I wonder if these people paid for the plug? It would be like some studio making a movie today, set in Vegas, and showing a bit of Celine Dion's act to attract more business her way. It's just...tacky. But then, so is Vegas. And Celine. They're a perfect tacky match. A much more convincing match than Cyd & Dan are in this movie. (See how I got back on topic there?)
Anyway, I never had the desire to hit the casinos, and I'm even less interested in visiting the City of Sin now. The harder this film tries to convince me that you win more often than you lose, and everybody in Vegas is so gosh darn nice - the less I buy it.
The celebrity cameos are kinda fun (in a "oh, there's so-and-so, I'm surprised" way, not because they're actually *doing* anything amusing), but pointless (unless the point is to show us that these celebs endorse Vegas - ooh maybe we'll spot 'em there! Let's go!) Dan Dailey is a grinning fool. Agnes Moorehead is good, but wasted in a tiny part. Cyd Charisse has some funny moments, even if she is basically repeating the same kind of role she played in "Silk Stockings" - complete with comical tipsy scene. Once she was uptight. Now she's just tight and barely upright. Haw!
I guess this is considered a musical, but unlike the best musicals, the songs in "Meet Me In Las Vegas" are not integrated into the story (what story?) - They do not help propel the plot forward. Instead, the action simply stops for an unrelated musical number. The songs aren't particularly memorable, and the choreography is uninspired. Cyd gets her chance to dance, but I kept getting distracted by the fact that I'd seen all these moves before! Oh, there's the step she did in "Singin' In The Rain", and she did *that* in "The Bandwagon"...etc, etc.
Not the worst movie in the world - just insubstantial, blatantly commercial and mercenary. I prefer movies that at least *appear* to have a higher goal than just trying to sell me something. I also enjoy clever dialogue and deeper characterization. Am I asking too much? Okay, how about some catchy songs? No? Well, I took a chance on this movie, and I lost. Better luck next time!
An unusual fantasy musical set in old Las Vegas
planktonrules3 May 2021
Chuck (Dan Dailey) hasn't been having much luck in Vegas. However, when he holds Maria's hand (Cyd Charisse), the suddenly finds that together they are unbeatable. So, they spend an evening in the town winning at every casino. However, as the night progresses two problems develop. Maria has too much to drink and makes a spectacle of herself. And, Maria falls for Chuck...and is angry that Chuck doesn't reciprocate. After all, he holds her hand and even kisses her...but he seems oblivious to her charms. Eventually, when he does notice her, now she's a cold fish! What is next for this odd couple? Well, when she visits Chuck's ranch, the hens lay eggs like crazy and oil is discovered on the property! Talk about luck!!
So is it any good? Yes and no. While the story is enjoyable, tossing in so many production numbers really hurt the film. I am sure many loved all the singing and dancing...but I felt it really derailed the nice romance...so much so that at the end, the nice happy ending just seemed tacked on as it followed TONS of dancing and singing. Enjoyable but it just misses the mark.
So is it any good? Yes and no. While the story is enjoyable, tossing in so many production numbers really hurt the film. I am sure many loved all the singing and dancing...but I felt it really derailed the nice romance...so much so that at the end, the nice happy ending just seemed tacked on as it followed TONS of dancing and singing. Enjoyable but it just misses the mark.
Distinctly sub-par for MGM
willst0121 October 2021
I'm afraid I can't share everyone's enthusiasm for this movie. I had been searching for it for ages as I'm a huge Cyd Charisse fan but honestly, a prima ballerina at the Sands Hotel?? Also she may hold hands with Dan Dailey a lot but they have absolutely no chemistry together. For no apparent reason she suddenly drops her antagonism towards him and falls in love. The music in particular is very unmemorable... Nicolas Brodsky wrote the immortal Be My Love and Because You're Mine for Mario Lanza but this kind of movie just isn't his forte. Meet Me In Las Vegas (NOT Viva Las Vegas! As it says at the top) just drags on and on and you think, what a waste of talent and money. The cameo appearances, however, are fun.
Cyd shines as a personality
babblingbooks25 January 2005
Cyd Charisse has always knocked us off balance with one of the greatest pair of legs in show business. In this film she shows us a human side which, from what I have seen, has always been lacking. She gets drunk as a skunk in a hilarious scene and gets up on the stage with the show girls and instantly outclasses them. She and Dan Dailey really work well together. It seems, in the movie, if they hold hands they will have unbeatable luck in Las Vegas. It creates a situation which everyone who has ever gambled (and there are a few of us) would love to be in. I will play the tape just to watch the tipsy scene but the rest of the picture is also very rewarding. I've always liked Dan Dailey as an actor and performer. Sammy Davis Jr.'s voice is used in a great sexy ballet number "Frankie and Johnny", in which Cyd really wows 'em. I can't imagine anyone doing a better vocal rendition of this particular number. It is a classic. Treat yourself to a better Cyd, a nifty Dan and Sammy's terrific, raucous rendition of "Frankie and Johnny." ... get the video. comment welcome ... babblingbooks@shaw.ca
Standard 50s MGM fare
funkyfry12 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I thought it was pretty enjoyable but nothing too great. Some good dance scenes with Charisse and the cowhands. Dan Dailey makes a poor stand-in for Howard Keel in my opinion. I like the idea of the set-up of the film, that they are lucky together and fall in love from the magic of the situation.
But the film's great weakness was that Paul Henreid's character was too flimsy to represent a believable romantic opponent for Dailey. Therefore the whole end portions of the film feel quite contrived. Also I think the music was not really very memorable or particularly well done. Still, not a terrible way to pass an afternoon or evening.
But the film's great weakness was that Paul Henreid's character was too flimsy to represent a believable romantic opponent for Dailey. Therefore the whole end portions of the film feel quite contrived. Also I think the music was not really very memorable or particularly well done. Still, not a terrible way to pass an afternoon or evening.
I couldn't make it all the way through this one
PudgyPandaMan12 December 2008
I primarily started to watch this to see who Cyd Charisse was. I heard a lot about her through the years, and know she passed away this year to much fanfare. So I wanted to check her out.
This movie was perhaps not the best movie to try to showcase her talents. Let me start by saying Im not a huge fan of the Musical genre to begin with. I often find their plots to be lacking and contrived. This one was no different.
Cyd was indeed very beautiful and a talented dancer. Her acting was so-so, however. I guess I just don't find loosely strung together numbers with no real plot to tie everything together a waste of time.
This movie was perhaps not the best movie to try to showcase her talents. Let me start by saying Im not a huge fan of the Musical genre to begin with. I often find their plots to be lacking and contrived. This one was no different.
Cyd was indeed very beautiful and a talented dancer. Her acting was so-so, however. I guess I just don't find loosely strung together numbers with no real plot to tie everything together a waste of time.
A MUST SEE !!
BARB5MR13 April 2004
If you like musicals, you must see this one. There are a lot of very good songs in this one and enough comedy to make this a feel good type movie. Cyd Charisse is charming as always and she and Dan Dailey do very well together. Anges Moorhead naturally, is a great supporting actress. Since the days of light hearted musicals is over for good for all of us who grew up during that period and time, it's nice to be able to go back to the 40's and 50's to view these wonderful days of MGM musicals. I know this movie is out on VHS, but I am anxiously awaiting the day they decide to release it on DVD. If you have 112 min. to spare I suggest you sit back and enjoy this wonderful old movie..
Meet Me in Las Vegas ***
edwagreen22 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Dan Dailey and Cyd Charisse provide some good chemistry in this 1956 film. Unfortunately, they're a little too old to play the parts of the gambler and ballerina who discover they're meant for each other.
In her short appearance as Dailey's mother, Agnes Moorehead's part would have been more suitable to the likes of Marjorie Main. Her booming voice was needed with the scenes on the farm.
Charisse dances up a storm and Dailey is given little musical talent, except that he sings very well with a young Japanese child.
As her manager, Paul Henried looks so different in color, but maintains the same smoking tradition as he did with Bette Davis, 14 years before, in "Now, Voyager."
Cara Williams is able to dance up a storm and really vamps around the stage. Who did the coloring of the hair in the movie? Williams and Moorehead have that same heavy red tint. What kind of henna were they using?
Since we're dealing with the Las Vegas night club scene, the appearances of Frankie Laine and Lena Horne are worthwhile. Don't think we don't see Frank Sinatra and Peter Lorre at the slot machines and tables as well.
In her short appearance as Dailey's mother, Agnes Moorehead's part would have been more suitable to the likes of Marjorie Main. Her booming voice was needed with the scenes on the farm.
Charisse dances up a storm and Dailey is given little musical talent, except that he sings very well with a young Japanese child.
As her manager, Paul Henried looks so different in color, but maintains the same smoking tradition as he did with Bette Davis, 14 years before, in "Now, Voyager."
Cara Williams is able to dance up a storm and really vamps around the stage. Who did the coloring of the hair in the movie? Williams and Moorehead have that same heavy red tint. What kind of henna were they using?
Since we're dealing with the Las Vegas night club scene, the appearances of Frankie Laine and Lena Horne are worthwhile. Don't think we don't see Frank Sinatra and Peter Lorre at the slot machines and tables as well.
meet me in LV
mossgrymk29 April 2021
Modestly Entertaining
Man9920421 April 2016
There is a reason this is a practically unknown and rarely shown on TV. While there is nothing terribly wrong about this movie, there is also nothing terribly right about it either. It is a throwaway production from start to finish.
It succeeds only as modest entertainment. None of the songs are particularly memorable. One song, "The Girl with the Yaller Shoes" is downright annoying.
The script is especially weak - even by movie musical standards. It does not serve wither of the leads very well. Dan Daily is about twenty years too old to be playing a "young rancher". Cyd Charisse's character is very cranky and negative at the start of the film. It is very difficult to feel any empathy for characters who have no positive energy. Especially silly is the casting of Agnes Morehead as Mr. Dailey's Mother - even though they are roughly the same age.
Fans of modern dance will no doubt enjoy the dance numbers. To my untrained eye they just seemed very dated and out of place.
It succeeds only as modest entertainment. None of the songs are particularly memorable. One song, "The Girl with the Yaller Shoes" is downright annoying.
The script is especially weak - even by movie musical standards. It does not serve wither of the leads very well. Dan Daily is about twenty years too old to be playing a "young rancher". Cyd Charisse's character is very cranky and negative at the start of the film. It is very difficult to feel any empathy for characters who have no positive energy. Especially silly is the casting of Agnes Morehead as Mr. Dailey's Mother - even though they are roughly the same age.
Fans of modern dance will no doubt enjoy the dance numbers. To my untrained eye they just seemed very dated and out of place.
Very entertaining
ryancm13 May 2009
This movie has gotten such a bad rap. No, it's not a Classic MGM musical lin the vain of AN American IN Paris or SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. However, for what it is it stands on its own. Cute story line, lots of cameos from the roaster of MGM stars at the time and some wonderful musical numbers, especially the FRANKIE AND JOHNNIE ballet. That's a must see. Cyd Charisse wasn't the greatest actress but she excels here in her "icy" demeanor and it works well here. Her drunk scene is a stand out. The under rated Cara Williams is a delight and she should have been a bigger star. A reader pointed out that Cyd's husband Tony Martin should have played the role Dan Daily played. Daily was an excellent dancer. Tony doesn't dance, so that would not have worked at all. Why this hasn't been released on DVD is beyond me since so many musicals not as good as this, have been. This is really fine, light, funny entertainment, so unlike movies made today. Lighten up and enjoy.
Dan Dailey paired with Cyd Charisse? At least there are lots of Vegas cameos
jacobs-greenwood2 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Directed by Roy Rowland and written by Isobel Lennart, this average musical comedy romance's Score received an Academy Award nomination. Though it features the beautifully talented Cyd Charisse as an aloof ballet dancer who's just discovering the world outside of her own sheltered existence, Dan Dailey seems an odd (unworthy?) choice as her top billed co-star.
Even though their lead characters' magical romance is purposefully a pairing of unequals, I think you have to be a fan of Dailey's to accept his folksy, homespun, losing gambler cowboy (let alone his singing) that's suddenly found his lucky charm in Charisse. Plus, Agnes Moorehead plays his (vibrantly dyed) red-headed mother back at the ranch! Jim Backus as a frustrated hotel manager, Lili Darvas as a Las Vegas-style dance talent, and Paul Henreid (among others) also appear.
It's not a total washout though: it's fun trying to spot the various uncredited Las Vegas star cameos (including Peter Lorre, Debbie Reynolds and Frank Sinatra) sprinkled throughout, Lena Horne and Frankie Laine (and Mitsuko Sawamura) perform, and Sammy Davis Jr. (also uncredited) narrates Charisse's "Frankie and Johnny" routine. Plus, there's an hilarious bit where Charisse's ballerina character, tired of competing with Sari Hatvani (Darvas) for Dailey's attentions, gets a bit tipsy and joins some cancan showgirls on stage; this scene is topped by her demonstration of it to Lili (Liliane Montevecchi), a former ballet star that chaperons Maria Corvier (Charisse) for manager (Henreid).
Oskar Karlweis plays Lotzi, a blackjack dealer at the Sands, where Maria performs, who's friends with Chuck Rodwell (Dailey), and even holds the winnings. George Chakiris plays a young groom who's honeymooning with his young bride (Betty Lynn). Dick Elliot (uncredited) plays one of the Sands co-owners for whom Tom Culdane (Backus) works.
Chuck is a gambler who never wins until he grabs the passing ballerina's hand for luck and finds he can't lose when he's holding it. This eventually creates a spark of romance between the two and Maria learns that Chuck is actually a successful rancher who gambles away his profits to fill up his empty life. He takes her to his ranch where uncredited Roscoe Ates and Lee Tung Foo play a ranch hand and a cook, respectively, and his "cranky" mother, Miss Hattie (Moorehead), runs things in his absence.
Their magic continues there: when Chuck holds Maria's hand, the chickens lay eggs, a cow with an upset stomach gives birth to a calf, and a hole in the ground starts to spout black gold (e.g. oil). When they return to the Sands, Maria's absent manager has arrived but the couple's magic has disappeared.
Want to guess whether it all works out in the end?
Even though their lead characters' magical romance is purposefully a pairing of unequals, I think you have to be a fan of Dailey's to accept his folksy, homespun, losing gambler cowboy (let alone his singing) that's suddenly found his lucky charm in Charisse. Plus, Agnes Moorehead plays his (vibrantly dyed) red-headed mother back at the ranch! Jim Backus as a frustrated hotel manager, Lili Darvas as a Las Vegas-style dance talent, and Paul Henreid (among others) also appear.
It's not a total washout though: it's fun trying to spot the various uncredited Las Vegas star cameos (including Peter Lorre, Debbie Reynolds and Frank Sinatra) sprinkled throughout, Lena Horne and Frankie Laine (and Mitsuko Sawamura) perform, and Sammy Davis Jr. (also uncredited) narrates Charisse's "Frankie and Johnny" routine. Plus, there's an hilarious bit where Charisse's ballerina character, tired of competing with Sari Hatvani (Darvas) for Dailey's attentions, gets a bit tipsy and joins some cancan showgirls on stage; this scene is topped by her demonstration of it to Lili (Liliane Montevecchi), a former ballet star that chaperons Maria Corvier (Charisse) for manager (Henreid).
Oskar Karlweis plays Lotzi, a blackjack dealer at the Sands, where Maria performs, who's friends with Chuck Rodwell (Dailey), and even holds the winnings. George Chakiris plays a young groom who's honeymooning with his young bride (Betty Lynn). Dick Elliot (uncredited) plays one of the Sands co-owners for whom Tom Culdane (Backus) works.
Chuck is a gambler who never wins until he grabs the passing ballerina's hand for luck and finds he can't lose when he's holding it. This eventually creates a spark of romance between the two and Maria learns that Chuck is actually a successful rancher who gambles away his profits to fill up his empty life. He takes her to his ranch where uncredited Roscoe Ates and Lee Tung Foo play a ranch hand and a cook, respectively, and his "cranky" mother, Miss Hattie (Moorehead), runs things in his absence.
Their magic continues there: when Chuck holds Maria's hand, the chickens lay eggs, a cow with an upset stomach gives birth to a calf, and a hole in the ground starts to spout black gold (e.g. oil). When they return to the Sands, Maria's absent manager has arrived but the couple's magic has disappeared.
Want to guess whether it all works out in the end?
MGM does Vegas!
gregcouture22 April 2003
MGM, as its glory days began to recede, threw every talent it could gets its hands on into this colorfully tasty little CinemaScope stew. Of course there's the delicious Cyd Charisse, especially leggy in the "Gal with the Yaller Shoes" production number; Cara Williams lending cleverly funny support (Whatever happened to her?); Dan Dailey, a little more engaging than usual; Agnes Moorehead, Jim Backus and Lili Darvas helping Cyd to look like she could act as well as dance; cameos by everyone MGM still had under contract and several others who had escaped or never had labored under that servitude; and a host of performers who help us to remember that one used to go to Las Vegas to see the big-name entertainment in the lounges and showrooms, rather than to gawk at the absurd splendor of the city's extravagantly stupendous hotel/resorts. I assume that the VHS version is (Phooey!) "letterboxed", but I'd add this one to my library if, perchance, they've issued it in a "Deluxe Widescreen Edition"...the ONLY way to fly!
Cyd great Dailey not
fritzlangville14 March 2024
Cyd Charise graces any picture she happens to be in. Terrific dancer, beautiful, sexy, and a decent actress. Too bad she's paired with the complete non-entity that is Dan Dailey. The name says it all. He looks like Howdy Doodey. I don't know maybe he can sing or dance but whatever his appeal in the 50s it certainley doesn't translate to a modern audience. The Ninotchka like plot doesn't help matters either. I guess Gene Kelley wasn't available. A decent leading man would have made a huge difference but instead we get Dailey. Even Donald O' Connor would have been better . At least he's funny. Watch it for Cyd that's the only reason I give it 5 stars.
Was Pier Angeli the woman in the red dress in the audience?+
sandibiaso15 March 2006
I saw this movie just to see a cameo of Pier Angeli. I ended up loving the movie but I wondered where Ms. Angeli was in this motion picture. Was she wearing the red dress in the audience of the first performance? I am pretty sure she was. If anyone knows for certain where Pier Angeli was in the movie let me know in a future comment about this film.
I thought this film was going to be a lame MGM musical but I was pleasantly surprised to find the plot and the dialogs in the motion picture well-developed. Cyd Charisse is very fascinating as the ballerina turned Las Vegas performer. Dan Dailey was convincing as a gambling man who tried his luck with the beautiful Cyd Charisse.
I thought this film was going to be a lame MGM musical but I was pleasantly surprised to find the plot and the dialogs in the motion picture well-developed. Cyd Charisse is very fascinating as the ballerina turned Las Vegas performer. Dan Dailey was convincing as a gambling man who tried his luck with the beautiful Cyd Charisse.
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