Starring:
Gene Kelly.
Frank Sinatra.
Kathryn Grayson.
Dean Stockwell.
Director:
George Sidney
Two sailors (Gene Kelly & Frank Sinatra) on the town' for a weeks shore leave, befriend a would-be-singer (Kathryn Grayson) and her young nephew (Dean Stockwell). During the many mishaps that take place, in which they both fall for Miss Grayson's charms, they accidentally sabotaging an audition for her with the great Jose Iturbi.
In order to retrieve the situation they concoct a story about Sinatra being friends with Itubi and that he has already arranged an interview at a famous film studio in a couple of days time.
This is where their problems really begin and the hunt for the elusive Mr. Iturbi.
The plot (a sort of forerunner to On The Town) may seem a bit hackneyed now, particularly strung out to this length, but there is plenty to amuse and entertain and the participants are, in the main, good to took at and listen to.
Both the two mate lead players are in fine form and Kathryn Grayson simply glows. Kelly does some impressive dancing in this film. Not only is there a most energetic number in which he leaps and dances about a Mexican set, Fairbanks style, but there is his splendid legendary dance with Jerry of Tom & Jerry fame - a cinematic tour-de-force at the time and one that still impresses today. other musical treats include: "Jealousy"; "Donkey Serenade", "My Heart Sings", "If you Knew Susie", "What Makes The Sunset", "I Begged Her", "We Hate To Leave", "The Charm of You", "I Fall in Love too Easi1y", "Cradle Song", "largo At Factotum", and the splendid title song.
The master for these prints was made some years ago in the USA by Ken Films, consequently one should not compare it to the very best we expect today (from Disney and the like). That said the print is sharp though a bit contrasty.
The colour varies from excellent (in the dance with Jerry) to average on some other scenes. The sound was only average quality - on par the sound of TV prints of the same time.
Produced towards the end of World War II in 1944 but completed in 1945 this is definitely one for musical aficionados who should snap up one of these rare prints without too much delay. Not much of Sinatra or Grayson is available on 8mm - nor of Kelly come to think of it.
Rare appearance too of personable Dean Stockwell (excellent performance) whose career continued into adult life and TV.
Distributed by Derann
Films.
Format: Super 8mm.
Supplied on: 5 reels (600ft).
Approximate Running Time: 135 minutes.
Colour Sound.
Reviewer: Keith Wilton.
Reviewers Rating: Print A/B Sound A/B
This page was last updated 02 Dec 2002