My Sister Eileen (1955, Richard Quine)

Not bad, but rather unmemorable Hollywood musical. It is a remake of the 1942 Columbia comedy of the same name. Betty Garrett and Janet Leigh play two Midwest sisters looking for fame and fortune in the Big Apple. It has a surprisingly claustrophobic atmosphere which is not what you expect in slick MGM comedy-musical. Not much happens in the film either; a series of silly situations unfold in a  predictable manner. I found most of the film’s humor a bit infantile. Also, I didn’t think the film had one memorable song. However, when it comes to its choreography, the film is quite brilliant. There is one incredible dance sequence with a very young Bob Fosse (the film’s choreographer) and Tommy Rall. This scene alone is worth the rental fee. Both gentlemen dance and dance, and they look like they are made of paper mache. Also, I was surprised to see how good Leigh was in a musical setting. Jack Lemmon is a bit awkward in a supporting role, but he does have a thankless role. It is entertaining, but mostly forgettable piece of fluff. The original film is better.

~ by gelpi2008 on Saturday, June 27, 2009.