On the Town

On the Town (1949)

Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly

Story by Jerome Robbins

Screenplay by Adolph Green and Betty Comden

Based on their musical

Stars: Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Jules Munshin, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, Vera-Ellen, and Florence Bates

My intent was to make a double feature with this and Anchors Aweigh. When I didn't like Anchors that much, I scrapped those plans right away. I made the right decision. This psuedo-sequel doesn't fare any better.

Three sailors; Gabey (Kelly), Chip (Sinatra) and Ozzie (Munshin) are on shore leave for only 24 hours. They try to make the best out of the time they have in NYC.

Are you trying to tell me that they were able to go to all of those places in one day? Highly doubtful. The sailors were able to fall in love with three women before they leave. Okay.

The story line is boring. I did not care about what was happening. Some of the dance breaks were cool to see, but it wasn't enough to enjoy the movie.

Rating: 5/10
 

The Heiress

The Heiress (1949)

Directed by William Wyler

Screenplay by Augustus Goetz and Ruth Goetz

Based on their play

Suggested by the novel, "Washington Square" by Henry James

Stars: Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift, Ralph Richardson, Miriam Hopkins, Selena Royle, Ray Collins and Vanessa Brown

When I revealed on twitter that I did not watch this movie, people are sorry for me not watching it. Everybody was praising it. I can see why.

In the pre-Civil War era New York City, a awkward young woman, Catherine Sloper (de Havilland) meets a handsome young man, Morris Townsend (Clift) at a party. They are instantly infatuated with each other. The trouble is that Catherine's father, Austin (Richardson) does not approve of the coupling, because he feels that Morris is only after Catherine's money.

I cannot express the endless ways that I adore this film. Olivia's performance as Catherine was transcendent. She deserved that Oscar for Best Actress. Catherine had a beautiful character arc.

Ralph Richardson as Dr. Austin Sloper was very good. I think the writers try to make him into the villain of the piece, but I could see his point of view. If some random guy wanted to woo my daughter, I would vet him as well.

I loved the costumes. They were made my Edith Head. Of course! Catherine's final gown at the end of movie was my favorite.

I would want to gush on the movie until the end of the movie, but I won't. Seek this movie out.

Rating: 10/10