anthonyheartache

Yes, that's what I said. TEXAS CARNIVAL is one big technicolor mess of a film musical. This film must have been made just to keep its contract players busy while on the MGM payroll. There is very little that is redeeming about this film. The script is unconvincing. Esther Williams has no aquatic numbers. And Red Skelton gets on my last nerve with his silly vaudeville type gags that went out with the silent films. On the positive side, Howard Keel is around for a few tunes. Ann Miller of course is around for two flashy tap numbers. Other than that, 1951 movie audiences probably had a more entertaining time at the popcorn counter.

Young Kurt Johnson, who stars in Sole Survivor 1984, died shortly after the film's release. Rather creepy. I was an acquaintance of Kurt's. He was only 33 at the time of his death.

I saw the film on VHS tape wondering what to expect as I knew that this was Eleanor Powell's final starring role. Well, I found the film to be quite different than Miss Powell's usual MGM offerings. I liked that fact the Eleanor played quite a different character than the ones she played at Metro. Her dance number with David Lichine also showed Eleanor in a completely different light...very jazzy. The movie at times has a very surrealistic quality especially the scenes depicting Times Square with the big bands playing on the rooftops. I thoroughly enjoyed the film with its very campy and surrealistic elements combined with Miss Powell's very creative numbers, especially when she dances inside a hug pinball machines. My only criticism is that a few of the numbers may have gone on a tad too long.