Yet another classic musical from MGM (who I believe made all the best musicals during the 40s and 50s). Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra team up again for a third time (and just like in Anchors Aweigh, they play sailors on shore leave), and they are joined by Jules Munshin, as the third member of their trio. They are a day off in New York, and are determined to see all the sites, and meet some pretty girls. Pretty soon all of them have fallen for a different girl (played respectively by Vera-Ellen, Betty Garrett and Ann Miller). Super dance numbers and some great comedic moments ensue.
I loved this film – like other musicals of its day, it is happy and funny, and leaves you with a huge smile on your face. Naturally, there are some fantastic dance sequences, mainly courtesy of Kelly, Vera-Ellen and Ann Miller (whose tap dance in the museum is simply wonderful). You kind of always know where the story is going, but the journey there is a great deal of fun. There’s some snappy dialogue, and Kelly, Sinatra and Munshin all delight (Munshin was far funnier than I expected him to be, and I loved the scene on the top of the Empire State Building.)
Definitely a film to watch if you need a quick injection of happiness!
Year of release: 1949
Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly
Producers: Arthur Freed, Roger Edens
Writers: Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Jerome Robbins
Main cast: Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Jules Munshin, Vera-Ellen, Ann Miller, Betty Garrett
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