Le mannequin du collège

"My Lucky Star" is my second Sonja Henie musical and I liked it even more than "One in a Million"(1936). The songs and Sonja's skating dances are joyous as ever. This time Sonja gets to romance with a British newcomer Richard Greene who plays the university prof Larry Taylor.

Director Roy Del Ruth, a gifted studio craftsman from 30s, imbues the contrivance of the plot with charming playfulness and effervescent grace. Del Ruth's choice of close-ups and staging of skating scenes are very well done. Cesar Romero has surprisingly agreeable presence, especially when he is not quarrelling or getting into a fight with his father, played by George Barbier, who owns the department store that lures Sonja to enroll in university to wear their fashion clothes. The capable supporting players include Joan Davis as Sonja's roommate, Gypsy Rose Lee as Romero's jealous girlfriend, Buddy Ebsen, Elisha Cook,Jr, Billy Gilbert, and Arthur Treacher.

Ultimately, as Ron Oliver noted, this is a Sonja's show. It vivifies her athletic exuberance, her dazzling skating skills as she skates divinely before an amazed audience.