RICH, YOUNG AND PRETTY

US, 1951, 95 minutes, Colour.
Danielle Darrieux, Wendell Corey, Jane Powell, Fernando Lamas, Vic Damone, Una Merkel.
Directed by Norman Taurog.

Rich, Young and Pretty was an attractive Jane Powell vehicle of the early '50s. She has a strong supporting cast, especially with Danielle Darrieux in an unusual Hollywood appearance with plenty of opportunity for song and dance. Most of the cast have a chance for singing, including Wendell Corey, in a fairly sympathetic role. Vic Damone was introduced in this film and is an attractive partner for the heroine. There is support from such stars as Fernando Lamas and Una Merkel. The film wears better than many other musicals of the time. The songs and dances are attractive e.g. 'We Just Sit Around'. The attractions of Paris, of course, are to the fore. Direction is by Norman Taurog, veteran director of comedies and dramas of the '30s and '40s including some Judy Garland vehicles. At this time he began to direct Martin and Lewis comedies. He later directed a number of Elvis Presley vehicles.

1. An enjoyable and attractive musical?

2. The popularity of the M.G.M. musical? Colourful production values? Colour photography? The use of Texas, of Paris? The musical score and its insertion into the plot - in illustrating character as well as theatrical presentation? Choreography?

3. The conventions of the musical comedy: the establishing of the family and the problems, the locations romanticised, the falling in love, the mystery, the revelations and happy ending? How well used?

4. The Texas background: Jim Rogers and his abilities, wealth, international missions? Liz and the possibility of moving from Texas and going to Paris? The background of Jim's marriage with Marie and her escaping from Texas? Her life in Paris? A plausible plot - sufficient for the romantic comedy?

5. Jane Powell attractive as Liz? Strength, determination? Love for her father? For Bob? (Forgetting him in Paris!) The excitement of the trip, the attraction of Andre and the outings with him? The friendship with Marie and her not knowing she was her mother? With Paul? The importance of the Una Merkel character as the good humoured nanny? The excitement of Paris. the change of moods, falling out with Andre, the discovery of the truth, the reconciliation? The '50s American heroine?

6. Vic Damone in his film debut? Singing voice, screen presence? The comic touches - especially at the restaurant with so much food and his small salary? Songs, misunderstandings, final reconciliation?

7. Jim Rogers as the tough American, the self-made man, the flashbacks to his life in Paris, the attraction to Marie, the wedding? Life in Texas and the birth of Liz? His failing to realise that she was unhappy? His cutting her out of his life? Work in Paris, flight to London? On the town with Liz? Apprehensions about Marie? Their discussions, strategy for warning off Andre because of the French-American? marriage? The final reconciliation?

8. Marie and her performances in Paris, the attraction towards Jim, the wedding, the hopes in America, her inability to cope, her leaving without saying goodbye? Her success in Paris? Love for Paul? His helping her with the song and dance routines as well as with meeting Liz? The hospitality at the restaurant? The friendships? The revelation of the truth?

9. Paul as the dashing romantic helping Marie?


10. The background of Texas - Bob and the good Texas boy at home? The contrast with French sophistication?

11. The presentation of France with its sophistication, fashions, night life, romance? The Parisian theme and the finale?

12. The comedy sequences - with Una Merkel? With Hans Conried as the mitre d' of the restaurant?

13. An attractive entertainment? Echoing the accepted styles and values of the early '50s, Hollywood style?