I love classic movies. I love musicals. I love Fred Astaire.
That said, this movie was a huge disappointment. The plot was ridiculous (even for a musical) and the only saving grace was most of the dances that Fred Astaire and Vera-Ellen danced together. If this movie was just a movie (and not a musical), I wouldn't have made it past the first 20 minutes.
I absolutely loved most of Fred and Vera-Ellen's dances, especially "Oops". That dance was simply wonderful and I ended up watching it three times.
I'm not opposed to a bit of fantasy in movies (I adore the 18 minute ballet in An American In Paris, for example), but the 'dancing on air' bit in this movie was just jaw dropping-ly awful. It was a silly gimmick and it was worse every time they utilized it.
On a positive note: I thoroughly enjoyed all of the performances by Fred, Vera-Ellen, Marjorie Main, Keenan Wynn and Alice Pierce. They had a poor script to work with, but they did a wonderful job.
The other positive aspect of this movie was the costumes. All of Vera-Ellen's gowns were stunning. I especially loved the dusty blue number in "Oops".
I am happy I saw this movie. I just don't intend to see it again.
That said, this movie was a huge disappointment. The plot was ridiculous (even for a musical) and the only saving grace was most of the dances that Fred Astaire and Vera-Ellen danced together. If this movie was just a movie (and not a musical), I wouldn't have made it past the first 20 minutes.
I absolutely loved most of Fred and Vera-Ellen's dances, especially "Oops". That dance was simply wonderful and I ended up watching it three times.
I'm not opposed to a bit of fantasy in movies (I adore the 18 minute ballet in An American In Paris, for example), but the 'dancing on air' bit in this movie was just jaw dropping-ly awful. It was a silly gimmick and it was worse every time they utilized it.
On a positive note: I thoroughly enjoyed all of the performances by Fred, Vera-Ellen, Marjorie Main, Keenan Wynn and Alice Pierce. They had a poor script to work with, but they did a wonderful job.
The other positive aspect of this movie was the costumes. All of Vera-Ellen's gowns were stunning. I especially loved the dusty blue number in "Oops".
I am happy I saw this movie. I just don't intend to see it again.