I found this movie to be pretty entertaining, but it needed a bit more of the supporting players and a LOT less of Gene Kelly. I've never found him that appealing, and it doesn't surprise me that he ordered the removal of amazing dancer Michael Kidd's solo number - and nearly did the same to Dan Dailey. I'm glad Donen prevailed and Dailey's number stayed in; he's a pleasure to watch. Most song-and-dance men are small, wiry fellows; it is SO nice to see a big, tall man who can dance with the best of them. In the "Up In Smoke" number, I noticed that his timing was right in tune with Kidd's; it was Kelly who was out of sync. As for the women: Dolores Gray's parody of a "Queen- for- a- Day" type host was simply FABULOUS - you can't play that kind of a character straight! - but Cyd Charisse seemed out of place as the program director. (Maybe I've got too strong a memory of her as the slinky siren in "Singin' in the Rain"?) Finally I've never liked the dance number on roller skates, however difficult it might be: Kelly is supposed to be crowing about the girl, but instead he's singing a valentine to HIMSELF. I'm glad you like yourself, Gene; I'm going to rewind to Dan Dailey's "Situation-Wise".
Review of It's Always Fair Weather
