Rich, Young and Pretty

US (1951): Musical

This lovely, little-known MGM musical, directed by Norman Taurog, stands above most others of its genre by utilizing a strong, often (unintentionally) disturbing and moving storyline -- a young girl meets up with the mother she has never known -- as a background for its delightful musical numbers and melodic score. Jane Powell is fresh as the first day of spring, and in fine voice. Vic Damone's equally engaging as her romantic interest. But the real surprise is the depth and vivacity of the "adult" performers -- Wendell Corey, Fernando Lamas (whose resonant baritone voice is fully utilized) and the delicious Danielle Darrieux in one of her few American movies. She provides charm, elegance and alluring sex-appeal as a woman who abandoned her daughter (Powell) shortly after her birth, divorced her husband (Corey), returned to her native France, and resumed her career as a Parisian nightclub performer, currently in love with her cabaret co-star Lamas. Corey unwittingly takes his daughter to Paris for a vacation, having no idea she will eventually discover the identity of her supposedly "deceased" mother. Songs include "There's Danger in Your Eyes, Cherie," "Dark Is the Night" and the Oscar^®-nominated "Wonder Why." (sdiner82, IMDb)

 View a clip of Vic Damone performing "Wonder Why" in this film on YouTube.com.

1 nomination