Donald O'Connor was meant to team with Bing Crosby in White Christmas but fell ill - the two men got their chance together with this, which isn't that well remembered. I mostly recall just hearing it used a different plot to the 1936 version.
Maybe the two female leads let it down - Jeanmarie is a dancing legend, but doesn't exactly pop on screen. Mitzi Gaynor is bright and professional but lacks a little X factor.
The number between Crosby and O'Connor at the beginning feels very influenced by Singing in the Rain. So too does a big ballet Jeanmarie does to a backdrop of a town, and a cheer up number O'Connor does to some kids.
There are some terrific numbers and songs - everyone can sing and dance (maybe Bing can't dance). Robert Lewis, more of a Broadway guy, does a decent job of directing.
The book is dim - misunderstandings about women being offered the lead in a play - but it is bright and sparky and I enjoyed it.
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