Audiences in the 1950s probably didn't appreciate this song-and-dance offering from MGM in 1955, which is darker in tone than the studio's cheery perennials and harbors an embittered streak (likely a reflection of the times, but not exactly musical escapism). Writers Betty Comden and Adolph Green came up with an intriguing story of WWII buddies meeting 10 years after V-J Day, only to find they have nothing in common but the war. Solid production is more an interesting mix of downcast drama and dance rather than a successful one, though co-directors Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly clearly relished the opportunity to do something a little headier (with the accent on character). Unfortunately, Donen and Kelly throw everything out the window for a slapstick finish, an unfunny free-for-all that nearly cripples the film. For years, this big studio misfire was but a cinematic footnote in Kelly's career; the film has since attained a new legion of admirers willing to overlook its weaknesses. Certainly a curiosity piece, and the cast is uniformly excellent. **1/2 from ****
Review of It's Always Fair Weather
