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.
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.