Amour en croisière

If you are a fan of Jane Powell, this is a must-watch. She shows off all of her talents from her lovely soprano voice, gorgeous looks, charm and acting ability. George Brent is very solid as her honorable captain father. The writers play up a common theme in Powell's early pictures at MGM, showing her as a teenager who chases after or pursues/flirts with older men. It is almost as if they made her grow up quicker. She got married the next year at the age of 20. Depending on when they filmed this movie, she was either 18 or 19. Powell was very talented in the way she could show innocence but also the steely resolve of somebody who was the breadwinner for her Oregon family which came from humble roots. I think a 6.5 would be a fair rating for this movie if one appreciates the talents of Powell, who was really a sensational talent who didn't really get a chance to show everything she may have been capable of on screen due to limited role choices.

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

This movie is pap, but it's pleasant enough pap and offers some wonderful musical moments. The plot is a sit-com all about a girl (Jane Powell) who stows away on the luxury ocean liner her daddy (George Brent, in his second outing in a film with this title!) just happens to captain. Havoc ensues, of course -- the details are beside the point. The real point is that Xavier Cugat is on board with his orchestra -- and lots of surprise musical guests. Audiences in the 40s knew quite well what to expect from this sort of thing -- The Xavier Cugat/Jose Iturbi Musical -- lots of "Latin-style" fun, eye-dazzling Technicolor, and tunes galore. This one is no worse than any of them, and for a few reasons may actually be a bit better. Here's the really great thing about this pic: One of the musical "surprises" on the ship turns out to be operatic tenor Lauritz Melchior! Melchior's voice was one of the finest of his era, and his Wagnerian outing here ("Winter Storms," from Die Walküre) gives a hint of just what a pleasure he was in his prime. His performs duets with Powell from the Viennese repertoire, but she's no match for his power and finesse. Also, Marina Koshetz sings a FAAAAAABulous rendition of Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin."

All in all, worth the time it takes to watch.

"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.

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.