It's Always Fair Weather (1955) came near the end of M-G-M's golden era of movie musicals. Originally envisioned as a sequel to On the Town (1949), which followed the adventures of three sailors (Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin) on leave in New York City for only twenty-four hours, It's Always Fair Weather is a story about three army buddies (Gene Kelly, Dan Dailey, and Michael Kidd) who return home with a promise to meet up again in ten years. A decade later, the buddies hold true to their word only to discover they now have nothing in common. None has achieved what he wanted, and they sit together with a terrible tension separating them - the split-screen technique and V.O. song in thought are used very cleverly and effectively here. It seems impossible that the three men can resume their old friendship until Cyd Charisse interferes. She works for a TV show that targets unsuspecting everyday people and makes their dreams come true, and tonight they need a guest on short notice. Cyd knows just the fellas, but will a sappy feel-good TV show do the trick? Maybe if you add in some gangsters and fisticuffs! The two real reasons to watch this film are Charisse and Kelly, who turn in two excellent show-stopping numbers. Charisse visits Kelly at a gym full of boxers and performs "Baby You Knock Me Out," a number in which she makes even the boxers seem like capable dancers. Kelly, upon falling for Charisse, sings "I Like Myself" (a fitting tune for the egotistical actor/dancer/director/choreographer) and proceeds to dance on roller skates. This is one of Kelly's most remarkable dances. You almost believe the wheels of the skates must be locked, and then he glides down the street, proving it's all his talent. It's Always Fair Weather, despite its origins and the return of writers Comden and Green and codirectors Stanley Donen and Kelly, is nothing like On the Town. Whereas the earlier film was fun and exciting with its opening number exterior shots in NYC, rambunctious young sailors and their girls, fun songs, and lively plot; It's Always Fair Weather is a bit of a downer story-wise, with characters whose lives are filled with disappointment and resentment. However, in a curious turn, everything does turn out okay, as we would expect of a musical. But It's Always Fair Weather is evidence of an era coming to a close, in terms of movie musicals and the studio system itself, as TV, or "the box," was becoming an ever more dangerous rival. The DVD comes with very interesting special features, particularly a documentary describing television's role in the film and in the decline of movie musicals. Those interviewed also detail the many troubles which plagued the production at every turn, including the constant fighting between codirectors Kelly and Donen and Kelly's insistance that certain scenes be cut from the film, probably to the film's deficit. Nevertheless, fans of movie musicals, of Cyd Charisse, and of Gene Kelly will find It's Always Fair Weather worth a watch.Read full review
very entertaining & only time to ever see Gene Kelly {or any dancer} tap/dance on roller skates. So many recognizable character actors that I grew up with that populated the 'old time' greats & after the "studio" industry of film , they lost their attraction to the industry. Such a shame that we humans so easily tire of our idols & look for faster-bigger-newer-more exciting-"more bang for the buck " !!. WOW the past dancers of the GOLDEN Days !
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It's always FAIR weather is a wonderful MUSICAL which you don't see anymore. The act with garbage can tops was unbelievably entertaining along with an act with old timers in a boxing gym. Cyd charisse was outstanding with a dance with the old time boxers. Collectors must buy this dvd.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen's It's Always Fair Weather is much more than your average musical. The film hasn't received that much attention over the years and that's really a shame because it ranks right up there with the classics of the genre. While I have read several people say that the storyline for 'Fair Weather' is a bit of a downer, there are many moments throughout the film that have great levity. Toward the beginning of the film, All three leads (Kelly, Dailey and Kidd) are seen running down city streets, being disorderly and then end up tap dancing with trash cans on their feet! Kelly tops himself yet again by tap dancing with Roller Skates and the lovely Cyd Charisse performs an upbeat dance number with a bunch of burly roughed up boxers! Dailey's tipsy dance number at a party is a fun standout and a classy number with glamorous Dolores Gray is an absolute show stopper! So much for this movie being a downer because it's not. It's a film that ranks up there with the very best of MGM musicals. What's not to love!? As in any good story, you need pathos in order to experience the highs and lows and It's Always Fair Weather has plenty of pathos, ending on a feel good high note! It took me 52 years to get around to see this movie. Don't let that happen to you!Read full review
Although the story line was good, the acting wasn't as good as in most Gene Kelly movies. As always, the dance sequences were excellent, especially the dancing on roller skates. Well worth watching.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Late forties musical that fell short of the mark. Too much squabbling on the set resulted in a sorta lame imitation of the usual Gene Kelly spectacle of the time.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
How can a movie with Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse & Dan Dailey be anything but entertaining? Loved it!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you like to see Gene Kelly dance then buy this movie. That is what I bought it for. If you are looking for a deep plot then buy something else.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Much better than expected. Rather than seen as a swan song to the old musicals, it should be viewed as the beginning of the new muscial.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Love this movie! Love Gene Kelly! They don't make it like this anymore! such talent!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
