Jamais deux sans toi

If you can get past the irrelevant title of this film, you will find it's a solid vehicle for Esther Williams, who--remarkably!--plays an aquatic entertainer. As Christine Duncan, she gets involved in a plot to hook up her sister (Ellen Hallit, played by Paula Raymond) with the sister's boss (Douglas Morrissen, played by John Lund), a rich playboy businessman who sees her only as his secretary. Typical for its day, the plot revolves around getting him to notice her legs more than recognize what a great person she is.

Christine's swimming routines include long stretches of swimming underwater and hiding behind scenery, so that audiences cannot see her well. But viewers of this film are treated to underwater shots and close-ups of her languid stroking. So we know up-front that we have entered the world of a Hollywood fantasy and left reality behind--which is where it belongs in this very stylized story.

The sets and the sights are richly colored, the fashions are well-tailored and sharp, the musical numbers are enjoyable and eye-catching. They are also numerous, because (fortunately) the characters spend plenty of time visiting nightclubs and running into singers and dancers (like Lena Horne and Eleanor Powell). Such numbers interrupt the narrative, but are an integral part of the formula. The music is mostly of the big band genre, with some boogie woogie to spice things up.

As for the acting, Ms. Williams is, in my opinion, always competent. The other leads are also up to the task, though the emotional demands of the script are minimal. This is a lighthearted romance where the musical entertainment is a primary draw. I enjoyed it as such.

"You always have to have a plot. There's never an easy way of doing things." So says JOHN LUND in this typical ESTHER WILLIAMS movie based on the familiar mix-ups involved when nobody tells the truth.

The mix-ups begin when Esther offers to help secretary PAULR RAYMOND catch a rich playboy (Lund), suggesting a trip to romantic surroundings in Sun Valley, Idaho would help. Esther, in the meantime, is pursued by VAN JOHNSON, a bandleader at the resort, who soon melts her heart. In the interim, there are guest appearances by RED SKELTON (at a potato square-dance contest that is deftly done) and ELEANOR POWELL, who does a guest spot in the usual MGM manner of at first coyly refusing to dance when requested. Then she rips into an impromptu routine that had to be rehearsed for at least three weeks. So much for reality.

It's a strictly fun, escapist musical, which is all it pretends to be. ESTHER WILLIAMS and PAUL RAYMOND look gorgeous in their various Technicolor outfits and Esther gets to do a couple of swimming numbers in her usual charming manner. JOHN LUND and VAN JOHNSON do nicely in the romantic comedy department as the love interest for the gals.

If you like Esther, this one is for you.

DUCHESS OF IDAHO is a product of its time. Lavish costumes and settings done the MGM way. No one get dirty, everyone, including the men, are clean, made-up and stylishly dressed. Plot is fun...again, a plot that is a 'product' of its day. ESTHER WILLIAMS is really good in this one. I think she was an underrated actress. If you want pure escapist enjoyment, see DUCHESS OF IDAHO. And just look at that nightclub with its giant swimming pool. How on earth could the patrons see all the underwater stuff? And what nightclub could even afford something as extravagant as that. OH, I forgot...this is an MGM film. And if it's MGM in the 40's or 50's, don't expect realism. But that's the great thing about MGM..especially the musicals. Who wants reality??

If you want to Esther Williams in one of her better roles check this one out. While she still has two very nice water ballet sequences, the best parts of the movie involve the funny antics of its players. The cast is very good especially Williams and Van Johnson who have a great chemistry. It's no wonder they made 3 other movies together. Johnson is absolutely charming and Williams shows that she can do more than just swim. She definately holds her own.

Of course it is pretty easy to perdict what will happen, but it's still a lot of fun. It will definately puts a smile on the face. It's also very neat to see a very young Mel Torme as a messenger.

Esther Williams tries to help her friend Paula Raymond land himbo John Lund. Why, I couldn't begin to tell you. Back in those days guys like this were considered dreamy I guess. Anyway, not surprisingly, Lund gets one look at Esther and goes gaga. Can't blame him there. Bandleader Van Johnson is also in love with Esther. So we have a good old-fashioned triangle...or rather, quadrangle.

The movie begins with Esther in a swimsuit doing an aquatic number, looking as lovely as ever. She is radiant throughout the picture, a goddess of technicolor. Paula Raymond is pretty and likable. The idea she would have to struggle to get any man is just something you'll have to suspend disbelief over. Notable for being Eleanor Powell's last film. She returned after being absent from the screen for six years (and becoming Mrs. Glenn Ford) to do this cameo where she gets to tap dance, which is always a treat. Red Skelton also has a cameo and Lena Horne sings a song. Also some songs by adorable Connie Haines. It's a light, fun movie. Not much swimming stuff despite Esther Williams being the star but it's a good one anyway.