At the risk of being stoned I must admit to not being much of a Bing Crosby fan. But I still enjoyed this minor musical. It is filmed in gorgeous color and has some good routines - especially that one with the airplane - wow! - but it's hard to forgive that nauseating number featuring singing and dancing snobbish school-girls on the beach.
There are some terrific performances here. Robert Arthur is given one of his best roles as Bing's confused son, and he is both believable and touching as he falls in love with the much older Wyman. And Jane's a big surprise here too, singing well and looking stunning. And who could resist Natalie Wood in her early teens? But Ethel Barrymore was the highlight for me, although she seemed a little frail. The warmth and humanity she brought to all her roles is utilised beautifully here.
The costumes are magnificent, especially the multi-colored sequin gowns in the last scenes, and, although the ending is a little saccharine, this film is great entertainment.
There are some terrific performances here. Robert Arthur is given one of his best roles as Bing's confused son, and he is both believable and touching as he falls in love with the much older Wyman. And Jane's a big surprise here too, singing well and looking stunning. And who could resist Natalie Wood in her early teens? But Ethel Barrymore was the highlight for me, although she seemed a little frail. The warmth and humanity she brought to all her roles is utilised beautifully here.
The costumes are magnificent, especially the multi-colored sequin gowns in the last scenes, and, although the ending is a little saccharine, this film is great entertainment.