Plot-heavy MGM musical, not likely to turn up on studio highlights. I suppose war demands account for many shortcomings, like the unlikely Kyser in the lead, shoestring production values from a big-budget studio, and a roster of undistinguished supporting players. Then too, musicals need lightweight stories to coordinate with overall mood. This one can't make up its mind. Too bad that outside of Maxwell, the performances are spotty. Kyser tries manfully but the seams show, nor does the lumpy screenplay help.
Nonetheless, there are some highlights. The production number "I Planted A Rose" shows spunk, along with a classy Lena Horne, a lively Marilyn Maxwell, and hep-cat swingers doing their acrobatic thing. And for fans of 50's sci-fi, there's the lordly Morris Ankrum mugging it up, of all things. Still, the plot's too convoluted for a musical and overshadows many of the more lackluster numbers. All in all, the package remains little more than spotty wartime escape.
Nonetheless, there are some highlights. The production number "I Planted A Rose" shows spunk, along with a classy Lena Horne, a lively Marilyn Maxwell, and hep-cat swingers doing their acrobatic thing. And for fans of 50's sci-fi, there's the lordly Morris Ankrum mugging it up, of all things. Still, the plot's too convoluted for a musical and overshadows many of the more lackluster numbers. All in all, the package remains little more than spotty wartime escape.