Thrill of a Romance (1945)

A swim teacher and a wealthy businessman are married after a brief courtship. A charming war hero falls in love with this newly-married woman, after her husband abandons her on their honeymoon for the sake of a business meeting.

Director:

Richard Thorpe

Writers:

Richard Connell (original screenplay), Gladys Lehman (original screenplay)

Stars:

Van Johnson, Esther Williams, Frances Gifford

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Van Johnson	...	Maj. Thomas Milvaine
Esther Williams	...	Cynthia Glenn
Frances Gifford	...	Maude Bancroft
Henry Travers	...	Hobart Glenn
Spring Byington	...	Nona Glenn
Lauritz Melchior	...	Mr. Nils Knudsen
Carleton G. Young	...	Robert G. Delbar
Ethel Griffies	...	Mrs. Fenway
Donald Curtis	...	K.O. Karny
Jerry Scott	...	Lyonel
Fernando Alvarado	...	Julio
Helene Stanley	...	Susan
Vince Barnett	...	Oscar
Billy House	...	Dr. Tovve
Joan Fay Macaboy	...	Betty

Storyline

Cynthia is swept off her feet and marries a rich and very successful business executive, but business affairs make him abandon her during their honeymoon. Cynthia is sad and while he's away, meets the charming war hero, Maj. Milvaine, who is on leave. Sparks fly. Will she choose wealth over love?

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Plot Keywords:

businessman | yosemite national park | annulment | whirlwind romance | world war two | 

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Taglines:

Musical bliss with every kiss!

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Genres:

Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 November 1945 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Thrill of a New Romance

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,410,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film was first telecast in New York City Saturday 9 November 1957 on WCBS (Channel 2), followed by Philadelphia Friday 20 December 1957 on WFIL (Channel 6), by San Francisco 8 February 1958 on KGO (Channel 7) and by Los Angeles 9 February 1958 on KTTV (Channel 11). At this time, color broadcasting was in its infancy, limited to only a small number of high rated programs, primarily on NBC and NBC affiliated stations, so these film showings were all still in B&W. Viewers were not offered the opportunity to see these films in their original Technicolor until several years later.

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Goofs

The balconies at the hotel are obviously a set since there is no glass in the windows or doors. This can be clearly seen since there are no reflections when the characters move past them.

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Connections

Referenced in Forecast (1945)

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Soundtracks

Opus One
(uncredited)
Music by Sy Oliver
Lyrics by Sid Garris
Performed by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra

User Reviews

Glossy Confection from MGM's Candy Factory

Great wartime escapism. The movie trailer states the boys overseas are going to get to see the film too. One look at Esther Williams in a bathing suit and I'll bet our GI's could wind up the war the next day. Nothing taxing here, just glossy glamor MGM style with a one-note plot thrown in. Williams and Johnson make an ideal movie couple, and of course we know they'll end up together even if it takes an hour and a half.

It's still early in our mermaid's career so there's little signature water ballet, but she does do some acrobatic diving that almost gave this old guy a backache. And, surprise, operatic tenor Melchior not only does some highbrow singing, but shows he can handle dialog too. It's the kind of jocular cupid role that "Cuddles" Szakall usually got in these romantic bon-bons. Actually, I was hoping for more featured swing numbers form Dorsey's band, but at least Buddy Rich gets a mind-bending drum solo. Anyhow, if you're looking for some slick eye and ear entertainment with absolutely no demands on the brain, then catch up with this picture postcard that MGM did best.