I had the occasion recently to see "Silk Stockings" and "Ninotchka" back to back. While the musical (and its Broadway antecedent) is based upon the general plot line of the famous Greta Garbo comedy----each film can fully stand on its own to critical judgment.
"Ninotchka" is considered a classic by many people, and contains Garbo's first comic performance. It is also one of her most accessible roles as well as her penultimate film appearance. Acting styles have changed considerably over the years, and contemporary film-goers may be somewhat mystified as to why she was so highly regarded in her time. However in "Ninotchka," she created a character that is almost free of the mannerisms and affectations often found in her serious movies that turn off so many of today's viewers. The Lubitsch "touch?" Perhaps.
"Silk Stockings" may not be a classic, but it's a delightful and enjoyable musical film entertainment. It is interesting that in the year 1957, we saw the last traditional film musical from both Fred Astaire ("Silk Stockings")and Gene Kelly ("Les Girls") as well as "Silk Stockings" being the last film directed by the legendary Rouben Mamoulian. Coincidentally, Mamoulian directed one of Garbo's most highly regarded films----"Queen Christina" back in 1933.
The recent death of Cyd Charisse reminds us of what a great artist she was in her prime musical years. And while Fred Astaire may have done better work in many of his earlier films, he left the musical genre (excluding the forgettable "Finian's Rainbow") with a stylish, charming and endearing performance.
Personally, I find the character played by Astaire considerably more likable than the one dimensional cad-lover played in the earlier film by Melvyn Douglas. And while Cyd Charisse never was considered much of an actress, her stone-faced Bolshevik who is seduced and in turn warmed by Western "decadence" compares favorably with Garbo's Ninotchka---plus she can dance! What an understatement!
"Silk Stockings" is an underrated film from the Golden Age of musicals. Fred Astaire left to go on to other projects---and it could be argued that his several subsequent television specials with Barrie Chase extended his classic dancing work. But "Silk Stockings" is his last great role as a song and dance man. What a way to go!
