Meet Me in Las Vegas

MGM, as its glory days began to recede, threw every talent it could gets its hands on into this colorfully tasty little CinemaScope stew. Of course there's the delicious Cyd Charisse, especially leggy in the "Gal with the Yaller Shoes" production number; Cara Williams lending cleverly funny support (Whatever happened to her?); Dan Dailey, a little more engaging than usual; Agnes Moorehead, Jim Backus and Lili Darvas helping Cyd to look like she could act as well as dance; cameos by everyone MGM still had under contract and several others who had escaped or never had labored under that servitude; and a host of performers who help us to remember that one used to go to Las Vegas to see the big-name entertainment in the lounges and showrooms, rather than to gawk at the absurd splendor of the city's extravagantly stupendous hotel/resorts. I assume that the VHS version is (Phooey!) "letterboxed", but I'd add this one to my library if, perchance, they've issued it in a "Deluxe Widescreen Edition"...the ONLY way to fly!

Okay, so "Singing in the Rain" it's not, it's still better than... okay, I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but it's an enjoyable movie with lots of singing, dancing, pretty colors and fun cameos from a host of stars. AND it has the best version of "Frankie & Johnny" I've ever heard -- courtesy of Sammy Davis Jr.

Cyd Charisse is in the top ten of 'the-most-gorgeous-and-talented-women-to-ever-appear-in-movies'. She is displayed like a flawless multi-carat gemstone in "Meet Me in Las Vegas". In fact, there are so many gorgeous women in this movie my eyes bugged out. Wowie-wow-wOw!

If you don't like musicals, forget this one, it's just a cute diversion. If you DO like musicals, don't miss this one. It's a tad long, but it's still a winner.

If you like musicals, you must see this one. There are a lot of very good songs in this one and enough comedy to make this a feel good type movie. Cyd Charisse is charming as always and she and Dan Dailey do very well together. Anges Moorhead naturally, is a great supporting actress. Since the days of light hearted musicals is over for good for all of us who grew up during that period and time, it's nice to be able to go back to the 40's and 50's to view these wonderful days of MGM musicals. I know this movie is out on VHS, but I am anxiously awaiting the day they decide to release it on DVD. If you have 112 min. to spare I suggest you sit back and enjoy this wonderful old movie..

"Meet me in Las Vegas" was not one of MGM's most elaborate musicals. As directed by Roy Rowland, this film, seen today, is like a trip down memory lane as it gives the viewer an opportunity to see the way Las Vegas looked back in the days when the film was done. That little town is nowhere to be found in the new Las Vegas, a city that, at best, looks like a theme park today. Isobel Lennart is credited with the screen play.

The story centers around two opposites that are as different as day and night. If we believe that Maria Corvier, a first class ballerina has been asked to appear, in all places, one of the big rooms of a hotel, then everything is possible. That she will find love when she meets the down to earth rancher, Chuck Rodwell, that's stretching it a bit too much. But we are not in a real place, we are in movie land where everything is possible.

As a musical, there are a few good moments, especially the "Frankie and Johnny" ballet, in which Cyd Charisse does a marvelous job. The other fun thing in the film is the way some Hollywood stars are seen in cameo roles that come and go too quickly. Thus we see Frank Sinatra, Peter Lorre, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Martin, Vic Damone in fleeting moments throughout the film.

Dan Dailey plays Chuck with his usual ease. The best thing in the film though, is Cyd Charisse, a lovely dancer, and actress that never got her due in the movies. We also see some familiar faces in minor roles, Agnes Moorehead, Lili Darvas, Jim Backus, Cara Williams, and the fine singers Lena Horne and Frankie Laine.

"Meet me in Las Vegas" could have used some trimming, then, perhaps, it might have made a better trip to Vegas.

Cyd Charisse has always knocked us off balance with one of the greatest pair of legs in show business. In this film she shows us a human side which, from what I have seen, has always been lacking. She gets drunk as a skunk in a hilarious scene and gets up on the stage with the show girls and instantly outclasses them. She and Dan Dailey really work well together. It seems, in the movie, if they hold hands they will have unbeatable luck in Las Vegas. It creates a situation which everyone who has ever gambled (and there are a few of us) would love to be in. I will play the tape just to watch the tipsy scene but the rest of the picture is also very rewarding. I've always liked Dan Dailey as an actor and performer. Sammy Davis Jr.'s voice is used in a great sexy ballet number "Frankie and Johnny", in which Cyd really wows 'em. I can't imagine anyone doing a better vocal rendition of this particular number. It is a classic. Treat yourself to a better Cyd, a nifty Dan and Sammy's terrific, raucous rendition of "Frankie and Johnny." ... get the video. comment welcome ... babblingbooks@shaw.ca