Venus macht Seitensprünge

During and after World War II, fantasy was big in Hollywood. It wasn't just escapism; it was all the thinking about death as many loved ones were lost. It's no wonder we had so many people coming back ("Here Comes Mr. Jordan"), facing the pearly gates or the hotter ones ("Heaven Can Wait"), or meeting angels in human form ("The Bishop's Wife"). We also had a visits from the big goddesses. How fitting that two women closest to being goddesses in human form actually played them - Rita Hayworth as Terpsichore in 1947's "Down to Earth," and of course, Ava Gardner as Venus in "One Touch of Venus." "One Touch of Venus" is based on the Broadway musical of the same name that was revived in London a few years ago with Melissa Errico, but never came to New York. Alas, there aren't many songs in this version but the most famous song, "Speak Low When You Speak Love" remains. The film stars Gardner, Robert Walker, Dick Haymes, Olga San Juan, Tom Conway, and Eve Arden. Walker works in a department store where a magnificent statue of Venus is about to be unveiled. On an impulse, he kisses it, and she comes to life. He falls madly in love with her, while his girlfriend (San Juan) flips out for his friend (Haymes). When the statue is discovered missing, the police assume that Walker knows something about it, since he was fixing the presentation curtain and claims that she then came to life.

Walker is an energetic delight as he chases Venus. After this film, he was institutionalized, and by 1951, his boyishness was gone as he entered what should have been the greatest part of his career with a magnificent performance in "Strangers on a Train." Instead, he only made one more film after that, dying in 1951. Looking at him in "One Touch of Venus," it's hard to imagine he had any demons. Eve Arden is hilarious as the secretary in unrequited love with her boss, Tom Conway. He's seen Venus sleeping in the home department and fallen for her as well. Haymes sings beautifully, and San Juan is pert and pretty as a young woman suddenly torn between two men. But all eyes are on Ava Gardner's dazzling beauty. She's a perfect embodiment of Venus with her flawless face, figure, and soft voice. Even though as a younger woman she had tried singing with a band, she wasn't a singer, so her voice is dubbed in this by Eileen Wilson. Like Hayworth, early in her career, she sometimes played roles that required vocals, and like Hayworth, she was always dubbed.

The best scene in the film takes place in the park toward the end. It's exuberant and thrilling - you won't want it to end. That scene sums up this lovely fantasy with a divine Ava, and you can't get any better than that.

Ava was never more beautiful. Robert Walker is at his lucky best. Dick Haymes was never in better voice. And, oh, that beautiful Kurt Weill-Ogden Nash score. Not only is "Speak Low" offered, but, the musical scene in Central Park as well, so masterfully handled and performed, will have you gliding and falling in love with the thought of falling in love.

This was a little recognized gem.

A very short and sweet version of the Kurt Weill musical play, omitting most of the songs. Ava Gardner plays the statue which comes to life after being kissed by window dresser Robert Walker, and crooner Dick Haymes is also in the cast, at least adding his pleasant voice to the proceedings.

Gardner is a lot of fun in this and certainly looks the part, although I have seen many reviews where she has been really slated. She gives ‘Venus' a healthy dose of playful charm as she leads Walker astray and threatens his position within the firm. Walker himself is a little uncomfortable in this – later roles would give him more range and opportunity to make an impression on the viewer.

Not all bad but the musical sequences seem heavy-handed in places, and with some voices dubbed and others not it just makes the songs sound a bit odd. Directed by William A Seiter, who had done musical comedies for RKO more than a decade earlier.

One Touch Of Venus, touched my heart as a young girl who lived for the Black & White fantasy world that movie makers created. All the casting was perfection. The continuity of the movie was flawless.

Robert Walker's portrayal of a young man muddling through life suddenly & totally captivated by the spell of love produced by the visage of the statue of Venus. Ava Gardner's classic beauty along with her very talented acting and voice. She was utter feminine charm encased in an absolutely beautiful body. She was a Goddess, she was 'The' Goddess that brings to mind the poetic line: She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes:A Poem by Lord Byron. (No actor today can capture the abilities of yesterday's greats.)

Eve Arden's acerbic wit, which no one else since has ever done better (& believe me many have tried). Tom Conway as the suave womanizing store owner with the sexy voice. Dick Haymes was perfect as the backstabbing 'best' friend. This movie could possibly make a believer out of a cynic.

Stars Ava Gardner and Robert Walker. Walker gives a flawless comedic performance as a department store window dresser who kisses a statue of Venus which then comes to life (gee, think "Mannequin" ripped this off).

A wonderfully written intelligent script, the most beautiful love song, written by Bertohlt Brecht, as it's theme music, a supporting cast that boasts one of Eve Arden's most brilliant performances and '40's singing heartthrob Dick Haymes, as well as the most glorious wardrobe for the 3 female leads, all add up to an evening on Olympus.

It is, however, Ava Gardner who will captivate your heart, capture your soul, and make you believe in magic. It really is a once in a lifetime performance - her look, her vocal inflection, and her miraculous stance and walk will convince you that she IS the Goddess of Love. A classic beauty.

One of the best romantic comedies ever!