"Daddy Long Legs" was originally filmed back in 1919 and it starred Mary Pickford. I saw this film and enjoyed it very much--giving the film a score of 8. In 1955, Twentieth Century-Fox released a new version--a musical starring Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron. Is it as good as the original or better? The film's plot is very similar. A rich guy (Astaire) notices a sweet orphan (Caron) and is so captivated by her, he arranges to send her off to school and make her a woman. However, this is all done without revealing who her benefactor is. Eventually, the man falls in love with her and,...well, you see the rest.
"Daddy Long Legs" (1955) has two major problems. First, seeing a middle-aged Fred Astaire falling for a MUCH younger Caron is pretty creepy--especially in light of their relationship. Second, and I am surprised by this, but the musical numbers SEVERELY hampered the film--often derailing the plot. Many of these songs are pretty bad and the film lacks the wonderful dance numbers you'd expect in an Astaire film. Overall, I say see the 1919 version. Despite being a silent, it's a delight. The 1955 version is anything but a delight.
"Daddy Long Legs" (1955) has two major problems. First, seeing a middle-aged Fred Astaire falling for a MUCH younger Caron is pretty creepy--especially in light of their relationship. Second, and I am surprised by this, but the musical numbers SEVERELY hampered the film--often derailing the plot. Many of these songs are pretty bad and the film lacks the wonderful dance numbers you'd expect in an Astaire film. Overall, I say see the 1919 version. Despite being a silent, it's a delight. The 1955 version is anything but a delight.