Review of Anchors Aweigh (1945) by Jason B — 17 Aug 2009

This was a pretty fun musical. Though not entirely without its flaws. It's quite clear that Frank was still in his infancy as an all-around performer and it shows in the dancing and acting. There's a neat sequence of him and Kelly dancing together and one can tell that the choreography was toned down for Frank but even still he clearly struggles to keep up with Kelly. Though he more than makes up for it with his solo songs which are like butter in your ears they melt so prettily. They really played to both actor's strengths and all the solo dancing scenes of Kelly are particularly shiny, especially a fun dance scene with a little girl and the infamous scene with Jerry Mouse.

Kathryn Grayson's voice is irritating and does not hold the test of time. I know that style was popular back then but fake operetta just grates on me. Either be opera or be natural, in between always sounds so cheesy. Her acting is a little bland but she does wear some fantastic clothes.

Dean Stockwell was quite a shock! Not being that old Stockwell will always be the cigar chewing pal of Sam Beckett from Quantum Leap in my heart so it's weird seeing him being a kid and all cutie-pie in a sailer suit.

Over all a fun movie but not the best from any of the performers. Also, yeah, the guy who plays himself... he was big at the time but most people under 50 will probably be scratching their head at the mention of his name.