Review of Brigadoon (1954) by Debbie W — 17 Aug 2011

Ouch. Two hunters (Kelly and Johnson) stumble upon the enchanted village of Brigadoon, and there they find out something weird-- Brigadoon was cursed to rise out of the mists every 100 years, and the two men just happened to come upon it at the perfect time.

Kellys character falls in love with Fiona (Charisse), and if the live is powerful enough, they can break the curse. 1954 was actually a pretty good year for MGM, one of their other musicals "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" was winning a bunch of awards.

Watching a biography on Stanley Donen, I found out that MGM wasnt really interested in "Seven Brides", and pretty much had all their attention on this. "Brigadoon" is definitely a love it or hate it movie (as said by the other reviewers), and I'm definitely one of the hate its.

It sounded good to me when I looked it up-- musical favorites Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse star, it's directed by legend Vincente Minnelli, and was one of the first movies to be filmed in the soon to be big solution to Technicolor, Cinemascope.

Even these good aspects could not save this movie. I am a huge fan of musicals, and I have really liked every one I've seen, so don't think I'm picky-- I usually rate them at the lowest at least three stars.

This is no exception. The dances and songs are really forgettable, and even Gene and Cyd who are usually really good just aren't that exciting: Kelly choreographed it, and this has got to be his worst job, making it look just lazy.

Maybe he was running out of ideas, I don't know, but there's nothing too special here. The songs aren't even good-- I didn't find even one that was catchy or even great to listen to, just slow.

"Brigadoon" isnt even something I could say a musical lover would like-- it's too weird--, so I would suggest "It's Always Fair Weather" for something different with Gene and Cyd.