So much talent involved that it’s hard not to see this as a bit of a failure- the whole does not add up to the individual pieces in this case
Sinatra and Gene Kelly in front—Stanley Donen is the choreographer, and then Busby Berkeley (his last film) behind the camera (though the rumor is Donen and Kelly shot most of this with Berkeley (the great director in the early 1930’s) past his prime
The second of three collaborations of Kelly and Sinatra—Anchors Away and On the Town (coming right after this in 1949 as well). This is the weakest
The “Strictly USA” number is inspired but still a far cry from Berkeley’s depression-era extravaganzas in films like Dames or something.
I love watching Sinatra play the guy who is awkward around women- haha
The music is adequate- but there’s nothing here you’re humming the next day
Bright and breezy technicolor escapism – recommend but not in the top 10 or close of 1949
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