Sunday, February 03, 2008

Would it be rude of me to inquire if there is any insanity in your family?

You were Never Lovelier - starring Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth. An delightful old black and white flick.

Fred Astaire is a dancer who has lost his money gambling in Bues Aires. He heads to the local talent agency and runs into an old friend who warns him about his boss. His boss, Mr. Acuna, is a cranky father of four girls. He has informed his family that the daughters must marry in order - from oldest to youngest. His youngest two daughters have boyfriends who want to propose but Rita Hayworth (Maria) is refusing to fall in love and be courted.

Fred Astaire's friend sneaks Fred (Robert) into the wedding of Mr. Acuna's oldest daughter allowing him to perform at the wedding. Mr. Acuna ignores and doesn't care for Robert. Maria and Robert also meet but do not hit it off - he flirts and she is icy. Maria's standoffish behavior is brought to her father's attention by his youngest daughters and their fear that they will never marry because Maria is incapable of love. Mr. Acuna decides to take matters into his own hands and starts writing anonymous love notes accompanied by orchids to Maria. Of course, misunderstandings ensue and of course, love wins out.

This is an interesting and funny film. It leaves the viewer wanting to dance. It also shows how ethnicity is treated or ignored in the Hollywood day's of yore. Still it is a treat to watch the dancing and the singing in context. I liked it. Watch it sometime.

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