In the mid 1950s, Astaire inexplicably turned into Cary Grant, romancing women less than half his age in this film and his next, "Funny Face." In this musical based on the popular children's novel, he is a 50-something millionaire who sponsors a French teenager's education in the U.S. and then falls in love with her. As in "Funny Face," where Astaire lusted after Audrey Hepburn, it is not only embarrassing but downright icky watching this May-December romance. The musical numbers are actually not bad, but the film far outstays its welcome at a running time of over two hours. Caron plays basically the same role she did in "An American in Paris" and "Gigi."
Review of Daddy Long Legs
