Even in her lesser films, Sonja Henie was always watchable and there was a good deal to like about her weaker outings. The bright spots were often her, the ice skating sequences and the music, while the weak link was often typically the story.
'My Lucky Star' has its issues, but on the most part it is one of Henie's better films. Its weak link is, unsurprisingly, the story, which makes thin ice less thin, takes daftness to a whole new level and goes too far on the simplistic. The silly and weak, often embarrassingly so, dialogue is just as problematic. As is the rather bland performance of Richard Greene in a limited role. To a lesser degree Elisha Cook Jnr and Gypsy Rose Lee (who also over-compensates a little) have little to do.
So much can be recommended however. 'My Lucky Star' is exquisitely photographed and sumptuously designed. The skating sequences are jaw-droppingly imaginative and brilliantly choreographed with so much energy and grace. The breath-taking "Alice in Wonderland" finale, accompanied by Victor Herbert's classic "March of the Soldiers" is the standout. The songs are similarly very pleasant, though few are timeless. Particularly good are "Could You Pass in Love" and "I've Got a Date with a Dream".
The direction is assured and the pacing vibrant. Henie is pert, spunky and charming, and the camera clearly loves her. Her ice skating is also out of this world, particularly in the "Alice in Wonderland" sequence. Joan Davis bags some amusing moments, while Buddy Ebson proves himself to be a born entertainer. One mustn't forget dashing and suave Cesar Romero, while Billy Gilbert comes very close to stealing the film.
All in all, entertaining if flawed film and worth watching particularly for Henie and the ice skating. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'My Lucky Star' has its issues, but on the most part it is one of Henie's better films. Its weak link is, unsurprisingly, the story, which makes thin ice less thin, takes daftness to a whole new level and goes too far on the simplistic. The silly and weak, often embarrassingly so, dialogue is just as problematic. As is the rather bland performance of Richard Greene in a limited role. To a lesser degree Elisha Cook Jnr and Gypsy Rose Lee (who also over-compensates a little) have little to do.
So much can be recommended however. 'My Lucky Star' is exquisitely photographed and sumptuously designed. The skating sequences are jaw-droppingly imaginative and brilliantly choreographed with so much energy and grace. The breath-taking "Alice in Wonderland" finale, accompanied by Victor Herbert's classic "March of the Soldiers" is the standout. The songs are similarly very pleasant, though few are timeless. Particularly good are "Could You Pass in Love" and "I've Got a Date with a Dream".
The direction is assured and the pacing vibrant. Henie is pert, spunky and charming, and the camera clearly loves her. Her ice skating is also out of this world, particularly in the "Alice in Wonderland" sequence. Joan Davis bags some amusing moments, while Buddy Ebson proves himself to be a born entertainer. One mustn't forget dashing and suave Cesar Romero, while Billy Gilbert comes very close to stealing the film.
All in all, entertaining if flawed film and worth watching particularly for Henie and the ice skating. 7/10 Bethany Cox