Search - Happy Go Lovely on DVD

Happy-Go-Wonderful Fun

M. Masumoto | Russian River, CA USA | 03/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Happy-Go-Lovely (1951) is a bright, breezy backstage musical which takes place at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.



A chorus girl in a musical revue (Vera-Ellen) thumbs a ride in a limo belonging to a Scottish millionaire, leading to rumors of an affair even though they haven't met. Hoping for an investment, the amusingly unscrupulous producer of the show (Cesar Romero) elevates her from chorine to the lead. When the millionaire (David Niven) comes to the theater to investigate, he is mistaken for a reporter, and Vera-Ellen promptly falls in love with him.



Don't be fooled. This movie plays much better than the plot would suggest, providing a delightful piece of comfort food with excellent performances and entertaining musical numbers.



David Niven, playing a true "romantic" lead, is more charming than I have ever seen him before. Vera-Ellen, also charming and funny, dances beautifully and, playing one of her only undisputed female musical leads, carries the picture in excellent style. Cesar Romero is in his element as the comical producer/director, and, with the help of a fine supporting cast, provides zany, and surprisingly tasteful, fun.



Another highlight is the score by Mischa Spoliansky, which really gives the film its musical comedy feel, leaving one with the impression of much music and dancing despite the film having only four musical numbers.



The Roan Group DVD transfer of "Happy-Go-Lovely" is worth the extra money; in fact, it is the best print I have yet seen of this film. The colors are bright, the picture is reasonably sharp and clear, and, although it would benefit from further picture and sound restoration, the film overall is in pretty good shape.



I have watched Happy-Go-Lovely again and again, and it always entertains. I hope you enjoy it, too!"

As Happy as Can Be!!!

Gregory Nyman | Winchendon, MA United States | 04/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Edinburgh Festival is the setting for this musical comedy, and Cesar Romero is the director of a Broadway style musical, and unfortunately, he has run out of money and the creditors do not want to wait. So in desperation, he casts a chorus girl in the leading role, believing it will get him closer to her boyfriend's fortune, but there is one slight problem - she does not have a millionaire husband.The cast is first rate, and it is a funny movie, too. Vera Ellen has to be on of the most under-rated dancers in a Hollywood gone by. I fell in love with her dancing after watching "White Christmas," and she's a joy to watch. So exciting, lithe, and talented. She makes it look so easy. Fall in love with Vera (only in the movies, of course), and get this marvelous film."

Vera-Ellen dazzles

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 04/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"HAPPY GO LOVELY is a charming musical, filmed in England and set against the backdrop of the Edinburgh Festival. Vera-Ellen, considered the greatest female dancer of her generation (and the best dancer to have been employed at MGM) plays Janet Jones, a young corps dancer in a new musical called "Frolics to You". Thanks to a case of jumping to the wrong conclusion, director Frost (Cesar Romero) believes Janet is the girlfriend of millionaire B.G. Bruno (David Niven). Frost decides to get B.G. to bankroll the musical and put Janet in the starring role. Comedic situations ensue before Janet and B.G. really find love in the final reel.



Fans of musicals (and in particular fans of the magnificent Vera-Ellen) will find HAPPY GO LOVELY a wonderful movie experience. Vera-Ellen is showcased in several musical numbers where she displays her unique combination of balletic grace, athleticism and coquettish charm. David Niven and Cesar Romero are great and the supporting cast features top British actors (Gordon Jackson, Bobby Howes and Joyce Carey to name three, but it's fun trying to spot others).



Alpha's DVD includes a decent print, perhaps a bit too bright and overexposed at times, but still very watchable"

Fun move/Great Vera Ellen however...

Ballet Boy | USA | 12/13/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Terribel DVD recording, bad sound, bad contrast. Obviously copied from a print and not a negative...too bad. Cheaply done and not at all sharp. If you can stand that, get it for the performances."