Review of Brigadoon (1954) by Jennifer B — 18 May 2006

Mr. Lundie: They were indeed horrible destructive women. I dinna suppose you have such women in your country?

Tommy Albright: Witches?

Jeff Douglas: Oh we have 'em. We pronounce it differently.

One of my all-time favorites. Absolutely non-reality based, this musical touches on that deep-seated human desire to escape time. And what better way to escape time than to spend eternity with your one true love.

I tell you, if Kelly could sing like Robert Goulet, this would be a six-star movie. Don't misunderstand me: Kelly can sing well enough. But if you get a chance to listen to the TV version where Goulet sings "There but for You Go I," one of several beautiful songs that were left on the cutting room floor in this version, you'll get a sense of what I mean.

Cyd Charisse! Of all Kelly's dance partners through the years, Charisse is the most stylishly elegant. She's a for real dancer, baby. If I ever make it to Scotland, I'm going looking for her in this secret little town :).

Van Johson is superb as the jaded and cynical anti-romantic foil. I always feel sorry for him when he decides, at the end, not to cross the bridge. If it were me, I'd go with Kelly. Plenty of single women, Van. Just do it.

The momentary New York City scene is well-done and so appropriately paced and placed. Even for a first-time viewer, it will be clear where Kelly is headed after listening to his city girlfriend rattle on.

For die-hard romantic escapists, there are few better films boasting such great music and passion with which to leave the real world behind.