Considering its botched opening (Shakespeare, Barnum & Ziegfeld as heavenly neighbors) & the Dali meets Tanguy meets Lux Detergent finale, to say nothing of its tortured production history, this plotless revue hits a remarkably high batting average. All the Fred Astaire numbers score, with "Limehouse Blues" something of a neglected masterpiece. Red Skelton does his classic Guzzler’s Gin; and Fanny Brice, daringly egged on by helmer Roy Del Ruth, gives a masterclass in comedy stage technique. Watch her work away at Hume Cronyn’s face. Only Judy Garland, playing dress-up in the 'Madame Crematon' sketch, unexpectedly tanks. It heralds the neurotic camp appeal that would too often plague her great talent. And note how yummy all those full-figured, curvy dames are; Lucille Ball, Esther Williams, Lena Horne and Cyd Charisse, not a Size 0 in sight.
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