This is a bit of a hard musical film to like. Essentially it follows the opening night of a musical spectacular in a (actual) restaurant called the Moulin Rouge. The lead actress is essentially there because she's in love with the director, but he's off seeing the art director on the side. Meanwhile, the lead actress's kid sister is looking for her big break too. When the lead actress finds out about her philandering boyfriend, will this be her chance? Filled with a "who cares?" story and somewhat boring production values, (although the 'circus' ending was a bit inspired.. End the show with Circus elephants!) and interestingly tired dance numbers, this whole thing gets boring quick, especially when they stall the story for fifteen minutes to go through 5 or 6 songs. YAWN! The acting here is OK, Forrest Tucker seems to can't wait for this thing to end, Margaret Whiting is a passable singer at best, and she's got WAY too much lipstick on, and I LOVE Dick Wesson as the obligatory gay stage manager. Is there any other kind?
Review of Paris Follies of 1956
