Three Little Girls in Blue

This version of the story is a musical. when this was introduced on Turner Classics, Michael Feinstein discussed the background of the song-writing team Myrow and Gordon. June Haver, Vera-Ellen, and Vivian Blaine are the Charter sisters, who leave the farm to go man-hunting. They have limited funds, so just like in moon over miami, one will play the rich girl, while the others will be maid and secretary. seems overly complicated, but adds mystery to the plot. it's a predecessor to how to marry a millionaire, but a successor to three blind mice and moon over miami. all similar stories, where the girls pool their resources and hope to find a (rich) hubby before they run out of cash. at one point, one of the farm girls even says you can be just as happy with a rich guy as a poor one... in true marilyn monroe style, which she quoted in both gentlemen prefer blonds and how to marry a millionaire, both in 1953. again, just like in moon over miami, there are some twists and surprises, when the girls are caught in their scheme. Not really a fan of this 1946 version; it's a period piece, takes place around 1900. I'd have to say How to Marry a Millionaire is best, and Moon over Miami is next. some of the songs they sing here just bring the story to a screeching halt. the dance on the giant piano keyboard is clever, but SO out of place in this film. another odd decision. doesn't help the story any. feels like they had a collection of songs they were determined to use, whether they fit the story or not. Directed by Bruce Humberstone. and oddly, Mack Gordon, one of the song writers is also producer and writer. he sure earned his pay on this one. it's okay, but nothing too special. the best part is a 29 year old Celeste Holm, so young and skinny. just four years later, she will be nominated for her role in All about Eve.

Three Little Girls in Blue is a smooth and simple, musical fairy tale showcasing some clever and intricate lyrics by Mack Gordon to Joseph Myrow's music which enchant the viewer right at the opening on a New Jersey chicken farm ("A Farmer's Life Is a Very Merry Life") and recur at just the appropriate junctures thereafter and include the enduring favorite "You Make Me Feel So Young." Other plusses include an intelligently lighthearted script by a large team of writers, gorgeous color photography, artful lighting effects, witty directorial touches and the three beautifully costumed and coiffed leading ladies. The male leads are less impressive, though Charles Smith as an eccentric valet who falls for Vera-Ellen is the most surprising and delightful. V-E herself as one of the titular girls is given ample opportunity to show off her balletic and acrobatic dancing skills in lively but overly busy choreography. Celeste Holm appears late in the story as an acerbically articulate, wacky but goodhearted Southern belle who helps tie up the plot in good old-fashioned musical comedy style.

it was an outstanding, award worthy,movie that left you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. the actors/actresses played their parts so well it was as if you were in the movie. the plot and unexpected twists add to the experience, you don't even notice that it's in black and white. the movie all around is a great movie.

Where has this musical been hiding for the last 50 years? It's a total delight. Special bouquets go to the feminine side of the cast--June Haver, Vivian Blaine, and Celeste Holm. But perhaps the top stand-out is lovely and piquant Vera-Ellen. Her rendition of "You Make Me Feel So Young" is one of the best solo dances ever filmed.

Lush musical where the title tells all. The three little-- actually well-developed-- farm girls are out to marry rich guys in Atlantic City. Being cute as buttons and over-dressed in styles of the day, they meet up with guys who at least act rich. Trouble is, the girls have agreed that Haver should pretend to be rich while other two sisters (Blaine & Vera-Ellen) should pretend to be her assistants. Thus complications ensue, especially of the romantic kind.

In my book Vera-Ellen steals the show with her gamin looks and lively style. Plus she gets that really long song and dance number—You Make Me Feel So Young-- which amounts to the movie's centerpiece. I hope TCF paid her well for the lengthy effort. Meanwhile, Blaine and Haver get the glamor and the good-looking guys, Latimore and Montgomery. And catch Celeste Holm's ante-bellum southern lady, with her sharp-tongued Scarlett O'Hara asides. They're a hoot for old movie fans. And in case you're in doubt about the plot, surprise, surprise, things do get sorted out in typical Hollywood musical style.

Anyway, the 100-minutes is lavishly produced, with glossy candy-box colors. I suspect the film's not better known because it lacks headliner male leads—Montgomery would eventually find his niche in B-westerns. Also, I agree with some reviewers that editing down the romance parts would give the movie and musical numbers more impact. Nonetheless, the film remains a lively mix of glamour and song from TCF's golden period.