Review of Finian's Rainbow (1968) by Jeff P — 04 Jul 2018

This nice E.Y."Yip" Harburg (Wizard of Oz lyrics and script) and music by Fred Saidy had the misfortune to be filmed when the classic Broadway musical was losing popularity on film. That's too bad, because the movie is filled with wonderful tunes like "Old Devil Moon" and "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love (I love the girl I'm near).

" Originally on Broadway in the 1940s, it was then ahead of its time dealing with American racism and the divide between rich and poor ("When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich"), but all in a lighthearted and comedic way.

By 1968 it was no longer ahead of its time, but it was made as a period piece, apparently taking place in 'Missitucky" in the early 50s, before the Civil Rights movement and Act and other civil rights legislation.

It is also Fred Astaire's last movie in which he dances (and sings), and the original script was modified to take advantage of Astaire's presence. He was 68 when it was filmed, and some critics complained that he looked so old! Well, it was filmed without filters and--he was 68! He certainly looked good in the few dance sequences.

1960s singing celebrity Petula Clark plays Finian's (Astaire) daughter Sharon, beautifully singing "How Are Things In Glocca Morra?" and others, Don Francks plays opposite Petula, and together they sing "Old Devil Moon," a standard since the Broadway play.

Tommy Steele, a British pop singing sensation from the 50s in the UK plays Og the leprechaun, and he is excellent in the role. Altogether it is a fun romp unfortunately overlooked by audiences and critics of the time.

A subplot is rather odd. A black scientist is trying to created a "mentholated tobacco" plant and, along with Francks, make millions! This might give a nod to the stereotype that blacks prefer menthol smokes! That is a minor point, and the movie is lots of fun.

It occasionally shows up on Turner Classic Movies on cable, and is available in the 50th anniversary Blu-ray and DVD. I don't know if it is worth buying, but if it shows up on TV, it would be worth a view.