Review of Pal Joey (1957) by Tara H — 15 Mar 2016

Frank Sinatra showed his generosity by insisting that Rita Hayworth take top billing in this, her last role at Columbia. Pal Joey looks and sounds great, but isn't all it could be. Sinatra, without the darker, more vulnerable edge of his best roles, is occasionally grating as the 'ladykiller' hero.

But his singing is, as always, superb. Hayworth, playing against type as a 'rich bitch', is woefully underused. Kim Novak, widely seen as Hayworth's replacement as a younger glamour girl, is likeable but her glacial aura doesn't quite capture the wholesomeness of her ingenue character.

Some great songs (Bewitched, My Funny Valentine), but they seem unconnected to the lacklustre plot. A bit disappointing overall, but still an entertaining fifties musical.