Amour en croisière

On a windy, cold March afternoon I loved hearing Lauritz Melchoir, one of the great tenors, a formidable fore-runner to today's tenors. He was able to relate, even in film, his great joy in life and music - a skill that would well serve many of today's artists.

Ms. Powell is as refreshing in this role as the day she performed it. Todays youth can learn from the standards of that era. Her natural talent has always been remarkable both as a singer and actress in later years.

This motion picture joins many of the delightful films of both Ms. Powell and Mr.Melchoir as a part of a heritage and history in the industry we must cherish.

It is good to be reminded in these difficult days in our world that we can still find joy in the moment and seize these pleasant opportunities to reflect on happier times.

Polly Bradford (Jane Powell) is getting left behind as her father Jeremy Bradford (George Brent) captains his ship to Rio. She leaves school and sneaks onboard. He puts her to work in the galley. She befriends heartbroken passenger Laura Dene (Frances Gifford) and is obsessed with fellow passengers opera performers Olaf and Zita. Jane Powell is doing her flighty sassy teenager role. I can do without the opera. Otherwise, it's light fun and light romantic adventures. It's all very light like a Love Boat episode.

MGM's musicals are meant to be enjoyed and this one sure is. Simple plot of daughter of captain (JANE POWELL and GEORGE BRENT) stows away on his liner. Typical funny business and misunderstandings pursue and it all comes out just fine in the end. But of course!! Remember, LUXURY LINER is an MGM entertainment, not message film. JANE POWELL excel is her performance and the beautfiful FRANCES GIFFORD (whom I never head of) is one great leading lady. Wish she had made more films. Good music helps this unbelievable story line just fine. There seems to have been some footage left on the cutting room floor as a couple of scenes don't make sense, and where does JANE get all that wardrobe when she stows away with a shirt and pair of jeans?? Oh well, again, remember, it's an MGM musical. Doesn't have to make sense, just entertain, which it certainly does. A must see for fans of this ilk.

"Luxury Liner" is a film that surprised me. Although it is chock full of opera singing, I still loved it! Surprise, surprise, surprise!

When the story begins, a cruise ship captain (George Brent) is about to go out to sea once again. His VERY precocious daughter (Jane Powell) stows away and spends much of her time telling various ridiculous lies, trying to set up a woman with a future husband as well as trying to get a world famous opera singer (Lauritz Melchior) to listen to her sing. While this might sound pretty annoying, Powell is marvelous as this character....very likable in spite of being a busy-body! The reason is that the film is very charming and well written...and comes off much like an episode of "The Love Boat"...but with opera music! Well worth seeing and very cute.

The story may be schmaltzy, but this movie is so charming and refreshing I find it impossible not to like. It looks lovely, with evergreen cinematography, beautiful costumes and lovingly-rendered ship. And the music is like a treasure trove, just utterly amazing to listen to, The Peanut Vendor and Wintersturme are particularly wonderful. The movie runs 98 minutes or so, and for me it is a 98 minutes well spent, the film does move briskly and is full of charm, exuberance and freshness. The direction is able, as is the script. And yes I loved the performances, Jane Powell is just a gem in this film. She looks utterly gorgeous with a darling, beautiful face and she sings wonderfully. Her duets with Lauritz Melchoir are lovely, he may have the stronger voice but she blends pretty well with him. George Brent is more than a pretty face as well, he is funny and he is cute, and Lauritz Melchoir as Olaf Eriksen(aka. My Sinatra) is a sheer delight. Hardly surprising as here he has a homely and warm presence with a huge ringing voice, no wonder he was considered one of the greatest Wagnerian tenors of the twentieth century because his Wintersturme was really powerful. Overall, a real treasure with wonderful music and performances. 10/10 Bethany Cox