This 1948 MGM musical teamed up Gene Kelly and Judy Garland, who had displayed such on-screen chemistry in For Me And My Gal (and who went on to work together again). The pairing certainly worked – perhaps never better than in this film.
Garland is Manuela, a young Spanish girl, whose hand in marriage her family have promised to Don Pedro, the mayor of their small town. However, Manula has always dreamed about infamous pirate Macoco. When Serafin (Gene Kelly) arrives in town with his travelling stage show, he meets and falls for Manuela, and pretends that he is in fact Macoco, in order to win her affection.
This film is flamboyant, colourful and in many ways, completely over-the-top – and it is incredible fun to watch. The stars themselves seem to revel in their roles; they’re melodramatic and intense, and it just works so well. I was laughing all the way through – the funniest scene for me was when Manuela and Serafin have an argument – the action is terrific and hilarious.
Many people say this was Gene Kelly’s sexiest role – and he certainly makes the most of it. His tight fitting outfits show off his amazing physique, and at one part he wears some short shorts which (excuse me being shallow for a moment) really show off his incredible thighs! Additionally, Kelly does an amazing pole dance – yes, you read that right – near the beginning of the film. There are plenty of other fine dance numbers including Kelly’s dance with the Nicholas brothers, and Kelly and Garland performing Be A Clown; and a terrific Cole Porter score (Judy performing ‘Mack The Black’ is a real treat).
This is a real treat to watch – definitely recommended!
Year of release: 1948
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Writers: Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich, S.N. Behrman, Joseph Than
Main cast: Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Gladys Cooper, Walter Slezak
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