With such talent and being such a fan of musicals, seeing 'Springtime in the Rockies' was a must. After seeing it, 'Springtime in the Rockies' definitely wrapped itself around my heart and anybody who likes films of this type or musicals from this era are likely to find it very difficult to resist.
The story is secondary to the rest of the film and is basically fluff. However this does not matter when everything else was so well done, and when there are musicals with far more contrived, implausible, flimsy and sugary stories. Especially in the musicals made during the Second World War. On the story front, 'Springtime in the Rockies' is for me one of the better ones from this period and the same can be said for it in general.
'Springtime in the Rockies' is beautiful to watch visually, being lavishly designed in sets and costumes, photographed with a lot of love and care and filled with eye popping colours that always dazzle and never assault the senses. The music and songs also delight, "I Had the Craziest Dream" being the standout, fabulously performed by Harry James and his Orchestra. As does the clever choreography for especially the Nicholas Brothers, the solo of Charlotte Greenwood and even more so the finale (a perfect marriage of music, comedy, emotion and dance and the very meaning of an extravaganza without being overblown despite it being lengthy).
Furthermore the script is filled with snappy lines that crackle in energy and wit, the whole film is breezily directed with a clear love for the content and the story flies by thanks to its immense fun, heart and charm, not to mention the non-stop energy without feeling rushed or overstuffed.
Betty Grable sparkles in one of her best performances, while John Payne has rarely been more at ease and Cesar Romero is suave and elegant. Carmen Miranda is a dynamite scene-stealer with hilarious comic timing, most of it centred around her broken English, and Edward Everett Horton is delightfully befuddled yet dignified. Charlotte Greenwood gives yet another perfect turn stealing scenes with even just her legs and those unique kicks. Not to mention Helen Forrest. Harry James and his Orchestra are fabulous too.
Pretty much the only tiny drawback is the waste of Jackie Gleason in a very small role that doesn't play to his comic strengths at all. Other than that, this is a sheer delight. 9/10 Bethany Cox
The story is secondary to the rest of the film and is basically fluff. However this does not matter when everything else was so well done, and when there are musicals with far more contrived, implausible, flimsy and sugary stories. Especially in the musicals made during the Second World War. On the story front, 'Springtime in the Rockies' is for me one of the better ones from this period and the same can be said for it in general.
'Springtime in the Rockies' is beautiful to watch visually, being lavishly designed in sets and costumes, photographed with a lot of love and care and filled with eye popping colours that always dazzle and never assault the senses. The music and songs also delight, "I Had the Craziest Dream" being the standout, fabulously performed by Harry James and his Orchestra. As does the clever choreography for especially the Nicholas Brothers, the solo of Charlotte Greenwood and even more so the finale (a perfect marriage of music, comedy, emotion and dance and the very meaning of an extravaganza without being overblown despite it being lengthy).
Furthermore the script is filled with snappy lines that crackle in energy and wit, the whole film is breezily directed with a clear love for the content and the story flies by thanks to its immense fun, heart and charm, not to mention the non-stop energy without feeling rushed or overstuffed.
Betty Grable sparkles in one of her best performances, while John Payne has rarely been more at ease and Cesar Romero is suave and elegant. Carmen Miranda is a dynamite scene-stealer with hilarious comic timing, most of it centred around her broken English, and Edward Everett Horton is delightfully befuddled yet dignified. Charlotte Greenwood gives yet another perfect turn stealing scenes with even just her legs and those unique kicks. Not to mention Helen Forrest. Harry James and his Orchestra are fabulous too.
Pretty much the only tiny drawback is the waste of Jackie Gleason in a very small role that doesn't play to his comic strengths at all. Other than that, this is a sheer delight. 9/10 Bethany Cox