Melody Cruise

What a joy it is for a movie collector like me to find a movie I've never seen before that is so darn good. It's hard to describe this movie because it's so many things at the same time. It's a comedy, it's a musical, it's sexy, groundbreaking and different.

Most of the dialogue is spoken rhythmically, a device that might have been tiresome in lesser hands. Zoe and Vera, are two interesting characters in this film. They are "party-goers", stranded in a stateroom. To keep the women safely in his cabin, Pete bribes steward Hickey to steal their clothes. They escape anyway.

The most fun elements of the film are both technical and sub-story-wise. The technical are the creative dissolves from scene to scene. They don't just fade; they are patterned in truly artistic ways. The film contains many highly entertaining special effects created by Vern Walker and Lyn Dunn. Decorated with lots of pretty girls, punctuated with melodic interludes, its strong points are a very pretty ice-skating ballet and the work of Charles Ruggles.

Melody Cruise is mixture of nonsense and music which makes for an excellent show. It's not the singing or the clowning that makes this a smart piece of work, but the imaginative direction of Mark Sandrich, who is alert in seizing ANY opportunity for cinematic stunts. From the viewpoint of direction this production is quite an achievement. I'm very happy to have this excellent film in my 3,000 DVD/Blu-ray collection.

This is an goofy little film! Despite the liability of Phil Harris as a man seemingly irresistible to women, the clever use of sound, the rest of the cast, and a lot of beautiful girls, make this entertaining viewing. Harris plays a millionaire with a penchant for rapid romance. Despite high billing, Greta Nissen has a small part as the woman he's been chasing around the world and has followed her to this cruise. Harris doesn't have chemistry with either Nissen or Helen Mack, and he looks like a trout when he sings.

The visuals are the best part. Scene wipes are all clever, such as seeing a storm at sea. The wipe comes in the form of water flowing down the screen, revealing Charlie Ruggles reeling from seasickness. There's not a lot of song and dance so you can't really call this a musical. But there is a lot of rhythmic dialogue, and a generally jaunty feel.

What a fun and bouncy few reels of musical fun we have here! Music is everywhere, even in the shoveling of snow and the steam of a locomotive. As mentioned by others, the wipes, transitions, and segues are novel and creative, still fresh, really, after going-on 90 years. Charlie Ruggles is as delightful as ever. And who knew Phil Harris was ever this good-looking and could play the chief love interest in any kind of film? But he was and he did. And this wasn't just any kind of film. Creative photography is a just a little over-the-top in a way keeps that keeps your eyes on the screen. It's all a little surreal and funny and fine.

A rich playboy and his best friend have survived another bender. They set off on a cruise from New York to California where they are pursued by gorgeous ladies.

I really don't care about these characters. I don't care about the guys. I don't care about the giggling sexy girls. I don't care about any of the high jinx. There are little moments of musical interest, but they're not that good. To be fair, I don't know these actors. I may have some residual interest if I actually know someone here. At the core of my problem, I hold no rooting interest in anybody or any relationships. I just don't care.

From start to finish, this film never slows down. There are so many great one-liners, sexual innuendos, and great moments, that it is just a fun film to watch. Helen Mack is quick witted and a very natural actor. Her abilities are showcased well - no wonder they chose her for this part. The musical score is great! It borders on being a musical, especially with all the great choreography. It has the look and feel of the wonderful musicals of the '40s and '50s. The characters are memorable and the comedic timing is perfect. I give this move four stars!