Principal Cast: Kathryn Grayson (Magnolia); Ava Gardner (Julie); Howard Keel (Gaylord); Joe E Brown; colour; full frame transfer; NTSC; 107 minutes; Director: George Sydney

SYNOPSIS

In the same vein as “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”, this is an entertaining musical fantasy devoid of a strong storyline, though there are strong undertones of recklessness and romance underscoring the film. At the same time, the basis of this feature - the music (co-written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II) is of superior quality. The most recent of three cinematic versions, with the second (directed by the Hollywood horror movie king - James Whale) considered the best, this one contains the undoubted vocal talents of Howard Keel, more than adequately supported by the female co-stars (presuming they did indeed sing all the songs!).

There is no point discussing storyline as between the myriad songs and dancing there is little time for solid story development; but the songs are undoubtedly the strength of this movie - they are powerful, enjoyable and well-known enough to satisfy most tastes and overcome the shortfall in plot. Most people will know some or all of the following - “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Mine”, “Ol’ Man River”, “Only Make Believe” and “After the Ball is Over” and these are the stand-out tunes. With all due respect, though, no-one will ever replicate the magnificent rendition of the second song by Paul Robeson.

Everybody involved in this production seems to have a pretty good time and I can’t detect any faults in the performances and (largely) the vocals. An old favourite of mine has a passing presence in the movie, but is nonetheless memorable - Agnes Moorehead. And Joe E Brown (a famous comedian around the time of the early `talkies’) is given plenty of welcome and respectful exposure in arguably his last major role. Thankfully he isn’t required to sing for his supper.

The copy I received for review was certainly colourful - indeed the colour was somewhat saturated, with a predominance of red in the sets tending to overpower the senses. The audio for such a well-known musical was a lamentable centre-channel mono - hardly good enough these days.

EXTRAS

? 28-chapter scene selection index

? theatrical trailer

? languages (English/Spanish) and subtitles (English/Spanish/French/English for the Hearing Impaired) menu

OVERALL

In substance there is not a great deal to this movie. For pure entertainment value though, I have no complaints at all - it’s not entirely my cup of tea (is any musical?) but as piece of escapist entertainment it’s absolutely fine!.