Vihreä laguuni

As a retreat from escapism, here's an ESTHER WILLIAMS movie that does the trick with the star herself in fine form as both a swimmer and a capable enough actress. The story is a trifle about a temperamental movie star (Esther) filming a movie in Hawaii who is chased by the technical advisor (Peter Lawford) who happens to be an attractive man in uniform. Ricardo Montalban, Cyd Charisse, Xavier Cugat and his Orchestra and Jimmy Durante do their bit to keep things moving breezily along.

And as if that isn't enough, there's Ricardo Montalban and Cyd Charisse doing a colorfully torrid dance number and Esther doing a spectacular water ballet. It's all wrapped up in bright technicolor hues and guaranteed to pass the time pleasantly if you like these kind of MGM musicals. Xavier Cugat and orchestra play some catchy numbers.

Very easy on the eyes all the way. The comedy relief from Durante is a little strained at times but his fans will get a kick out of his shenanigans. Peter Lawford, saddled with a thankless role, is forced to look glum and determined through most of the film as he tries to win Esther's affection away from Montalban.

It's a typical Esther Williams movie, a no-brainer but fun.

Trivia bit: The little girl (Kathryn Beaumont) who did the voice for Disney's ALICE IN WONDERLAND has a brief role as a British child star wannabe. That voice is SO familiar!!