The pairing of Betty Hutton with Fred Astaire is one of the strangest ones of the era....second, possibly, only to Ronald Reagan being paired with Bonzo the Chimp!! The reason? Well, their styles were the complete opposite of each other. Astaire's screen persona was graceful, sophisticated and likable. Hutton's, in contrast, was loud, brash, intense and, frankly, tiring to watch! I just can't understand them acting together...and, apparently, the public felt the same way and the film was a box office bust.
In addition to having weird chemistry, it's surprising today to see that Astaire is clearly the supporting actor in this film. But, amazingly, at the time Hutton was a more hot property. Today, far fewer people remember her...most likely because her acting style is just so intense.
The film begins during WWII and the opening number is pure Hutton...and it is LOUD!! Well, after performing with Astaire for the troops, he asks her to marry him...only to learn too late that she already is married.
Years pass and now Hutton is a widow living with her son with her stuffy in-laws...in particular a grandmother-in-laws (Lucille Watson) who don't particularly approve of her. She insists the boy remain with them....and she is more than willing to pay her to stay away. If I were in their shoes, I'd feel exactly the same! Regardless, one night she escapes their mansion with her young son and they set out for adventure....and not surprisingly, she soon meets up with Fred. See the film if you want to know what happens next.
The story makes sense...sometimes. Some of it seemed strange and contrived (such as the two marriage proposals and the one she inexplicably rejects) and one song and dance number was really weird (the cowboy one...that they NEVER rehearsed and did with only a few minutes notice...and it was perfect!). But the basic story and Fred Astaire were very nice...as well as the supporting cast. In many ways, these actors and actresses helped to compensate for Hutton's 'exuberance'. Overall, a decent film but a disappointment for Astaire fans, as he clearly is not the star here.
In addition to having weird chemistry, it's surprising today to see that Astaire is clearly the supporting actor in this film. But, amazingly, at the time Hutton was a more hot property. Today, far fewer people remember her...most likely because her acting style is just so intense.
The film begins during WWII and the opening number is pure Hutton...and it is LOUD!! Well, after performing with Astaire for the troops, he asks her to marry him...only to learn too late that she already is married.
Years pass and now Hutton is a widow living with her son with her stuffy in-laws...in particular a grandmother-in-laws (Lucille Watson) who don't particularly approve of her. She insists the boy remain with them....and she is more than willing to pay her to stay away. If I were in their shoes, I'd feel exactly the same! Regardless, one night she escapes their mansion with her young son and they set out for adventure....and not surprisingly, she soon meets up with Fred. See the film if you want to know what happens next.
The story makes sense...sometimes. Some of it seemed strange and contrived (such as the two marriage proposals and the one she inexplicably rejects) and one song and dance number was really weird (the cowboy one...that they NEVER rehearsed and did with only a few minutes notice...and it was perfect!). But the basic story and Fred Astaire were very nice...as well as the supporting cast. In many ways, these actors and actresses helped to compensate for Hutton's 'exuberance'. Overall, a decent film but a disappointment for Astaire fans, as he clearly is not the star here.