Gentlemen don't marry corporations, especially one with a woman in charge, and basically for wealthy Texas rancher Jane Russell, she finds her money is the key to single unhappiness. So what does she decide to do? Catch the French Line to Europe and try to catch a beau the old fashioned way: pure animal magnetism, and with the double delights that Russell holds up, she's got the key in the door. Joining up with old friend Mary McCarthy, Russell becomes an entertainer, leading her into the arms of several possible suitors, particularly womanizing "Frenchman" Gilbert Roland who becomes aware of Russell's identity thanks to her interfering uncle Arthur Hunnicutt.
Rather secondary even with its controversy, it has a few magical moments; Roland's production number, "With a Kiss", is pleasant and nicely staged, but Russell's musical numbers are rather focused on her curvy figure than written to be heard on the American hit parade. McCarthy, already a rising Broadway songstress (who would score in the 1970's on Broadway in the original "Follies" and "Chicago"), adds spark as her old pal who rose from good old country girl to New York fashion house maven, and Arthur Hunnicutt provides folksy humor as Russell's uncle. Spotting chorus girls/models Kim Novak and Joi Lansing among the beauties becomes a distraction in the musical numbers. For me, the highlight wasn't the controversial "Looking For Trouble" number (sanitized for American release), but the "Take those trays of canape's away!" which leads to an eye rolling number with Russell and McCarty ("Any Gal From Texas") that includes some of the strangest lyrics ever in a movie musical song.
1954 was a sensational year for musical numbers, so it's easy to see why this has fallen into obscurity. The plot is a variation of what Russell did in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", and the musical numbers here are weak in comparison. Several minor subplots just weaken the film even more, and the aging Roland seems just too sleazy to be the romantic lead. It also doesn't help that the rather garish color photography often seems slightly out of focus. If you go into it searching for camp, you might just get your wish, but those looking for something for something artistic or profound will be severely disappointed.
Rather secondary even with its controversy, it has a few magical moments; Roland's production number, "With a Kiss", is pleasant and nicely staged, but Russell's musical numbers are rather focused on her curvy figure than written to be heard on the American hit parade. McCarthy, already a rising Broadway songstress (who would score in the 1970's on Broadway in the original "Follies" and "Chicago"), adds spark as her old pal who rose from good old country girl to New York fashion house maven, and Arthur Hunnicutt provides folksy humor as Russell's uncle. Spotting chorus girls/models Kim Novak and Joi Lansing among the beauties becomes a distraction in the musical numbers. For me, the highlight wasn't the controversial "Looking For Trouble" number (sanitized for American release), but the "Take those trays of canape's away!" which leads to an eye rolling number with Russell and McCarty ("Any Gal From Texas") that includes some of the strangest lyrics ever in a movie musical song.
1954 was a sensational year for musical numbers, so it's easy to see why this has fallen into obscurity. The plot is a variation of what Russell did in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", and the musical numbers here are weak in comparison. Several minor subplots just weaken the film even more, and the aging Roland seems just too sleazy to be the romantic lead. It also doesn't help that the rather garish color photography often seems slightly out of focus. If you go into it searching for camp, you might just get your wish, but those looking for something for something artistic or profound will be severely disappointed.