Rich, Young and Pretty

There are a few good songs in this movie, but most are as forgettable as the characters. Wendell Corey is not convincing as a Texan and looks hungover during the movie. He also cannot sing and does a terrible version of 'Deep in the Heart of Texas'. The characters are all shallow and Jane barely cares that Danielle deserted her as a child.

I did like Hans Conried as a pushy waiter and the Four Freshmen have a nice musical number. Worth a look if you like any of the stars or you are a big fan of the genre.

This lovely, little-known MGM musical from 1951 stands above most others of its genre by utilizing a strong, often (unintentionally) disturbing and moving storyline as a background for its delightful musical numbers and melodic score.

Jane Powell is fresh as the first day of spring, and in fine voice. Vic Damone's equally engaging as her romantic interest. But the real surprise is the depth and vivacity of the "adult" performers -- Wendell Corey, Fernando Lamas (whose resonant baritone voice is fully utilized) and the delicious Danielle Darrieux in one of her few American movies. She provides charm, elegance and alluring sex-appeal as a woman who abandoned her daughter (Powell) shortly after her birth, divorced her husband (Corey), returned to her native France, and resumed her career as a Parisian nightclub performer, currently in love with her cabaret co-star Lamas. Corey unwittingly takes his daughter to Paris for a vacation, having no idea she will eventually discover the identity of her supposedly "deceased" mother.

The sad undercurrents of the plot are glossed over by a lush Technicolored production and one riveting song after another. The riveting finale is staged and photographed and sung to vivid perfection.

A delicious diversion, with a glorious cast doing full justice to its entrancing score and poignant screenplay. Simply a pity that the delectable, saucy Ms. Darrieux was never teamed with Fred Astaire, though Ms. Powell was one year later in the knockout "Royal Wedding".

Very late July, and it is my silly season for watching films. I love diversity, and I am drawn to what I call ' easy ' old films, from any country, and almost any genre. This musical is bearable because it has Danielle Darrieux in it, singing two of the most passable songs in the film. Jane Powell is always good to watch, but the Paris it is set in is beyond fake, bordering on the ridiculous. Wendell Corey and Vic Damone are awful, and the latter could not act at all. My main gripe is that it has every French stereotype in the cinematic book, some scenes cringe worthy and one example is when Corey sings a song ( badly ) called I think ' Deep in the Heart of Texas ' in a Paris restaurant. And forces other to sing along with him. No one went to Paris to make this mediocre film, and it seems to me it was a Joe Pasternak produced piece of froth firmly directed to middle America who could fantasise over Paris cliches. Darrieux holds the film together and no spoilers on the contrived plot. I have no idea why in 1951 she wanted to be in it, considering she was at her career peak with films like ' Occupe Toi D'Amelie '. A 5 for every scene that manages to bring this nonsense to life. She is superb.

Firstly, I had seen Miss Darieux in several movies. In this one, not even a trace of a French accent - amazing. Also, enjoyed Lamas, an Argentinian with a what-kind-of accent. By the way, whatever happened to his heart-throb son? Back to "Rich, Young and Pretty," I say pooh - double pooh - or poohpooh to the naysayers who dissected this movie and found fault with the performers and/or the script.

The songs were good, but certainly not MGM's best. The happiest surprise was "Deep In the Heart of Texas" - what a joy, and the song involving the great Four Freshmen.

The ballads were fairly decent - nothing more, nothing less. As for the fellow with the cane and cigar box who does not like Jane Powell - to quote Gen. McAuliffe when asked about surrendering to Germany - NUTS! I don't know if she was pretty or cute, so I settle for pretty cute. Her voice, not quite as strong as Kathryn Grayson, is still quite beautiful.

One of that era's best singers was Vic Damone who could sing powerfully, or pleasantly. I enjoyed him.

I loved the ending with its flying saucers - and knives, forks, spoons, and French cuisine.

Yes, I enjoyed the movie, and I'm proud to admit it. Onward and upward.

Rancher-turned-diplomat Wendell Corey takes daughter Jane Powell and housekeeper Una Merkel on a mission to Paris, where they run into Miss Powell's mother, Danielle Darrieux, her assortment of friends, and Vic Damone, a government clerk. Miss Powell doesn't know Miss Darrieux is her mother. The latter tried life in Texas and fled back to the City of Lights. Miss Powell thinks her mother is dead.

It's one of the kitchen-sink musicals produced by Joe Pasternak, and everyone sings, from Corey howling "Deep in the Heart of Texas" to the Four Freshmen singing "How Do You Like Your Ham and Eggs in the Morning?". Lots of character stars pop up, from Dalio playing a painter who claims he wants to paint Miss Powell's elbow, to Hans Conreid as headwaiter who fetes Damone and Miss Powell at his restaurant. Fernando Lamas (who looks marvelous) is Mlle Darrieux's night-club partner and lover. It's the sort of silly and frothy musical that Pasternak produced for MGM in this period. Under the direction of Norman Taurog it's fun and inconsequential.