This is actually one film that airs both on Mystery Science Theater 3000 and on the Arts channel.
It is MST3K material, because this film is indeed goofy. It offers the characters plenty of material to poke fun at. Yet, the Arts channel also shows this film, as (presumably) an example of this genre of film, one that promotes GM products.
Do not take this film seriously. It was produced by GM in 1956 to promote its cars, and it reflects the era in which it was produced. Tad Tadlock is definitely attractive in the fantasy role in which she plays, and it is a shame she did not do more acting assignments.
I also think the production is the star of this show, and I can see where it might have influenced two shows, "The Twilight Zone" and "Batman":
--Tadlock's "Dance of Tomorrow" is very similar to the dance Suzanne Lloyd performed in the 1959 episode of "The Twilight Zone" she appeared in, "Perchance to Dream." Lloyd's character seems to have influenced the character of Catwoman in "Batman," which aired a full decade after "Design for Dreaming."
--Also, the production value and visuals (the rich color and fantasy sequences) remind one of the "Batman" series--as does the masked male figure. Holy tie-in!
Yes, this is a plug for GM cars, but it is fascinating to see what was offered for the future (especially the Impala and Firebird). Even if all of this is a fantasy, so what? This is real eye candy, and a fascinating piece of history that is available both on MST3K and the Arts channel, depending on what you prefer.