Theatrical: 1951
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Comedy
Duration: 90
Rated: NR
Date Added: 10 Aug 2008
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Picture Format: Widescreen
Summary: Just as "Love Affair" inspired "An Affair to Remember" and "Sleepless in Seattle", "Folies Bergère" inspired "That Night in Rio" and "On the Riviera". In Walter Lang's Technicolor version, Danny Kaye takes on a dual role previously assumed by Maurice Chevalier and Don Ameche. A master of mistaken identity, Kaye makes it his own. His Jack Martin is an American song and dance man based in Monte Carlo. When playboy aviator Henri Duran (Kaye with French accent) returns from his latest adventure, Martin notices a resemblance. He also notices Duran's neglected wife, Lili (Gene Tierney). After Duran is called away on business, Martin is enlisted to impersonate him for an important function. That gives him the chance to cozy up to Lili--and infuriate dance partner Colette (Corinne Calvet). Duran pays him back with an impersonation of his own. It isn't "Twelfth Night", but "On the Riviera" is an enjoyable diversion. It also represents a family affair, since designer Oleg Cassini outfitted wife Tierney and Sylvia Fine penned tunes for husband Kaye (except for the standard "Ballin' the Jack"). Though considered a minor effort in the canons of Lang and Kaye--the musical was more of an audience favorite than a critical darling--Fox has done right by this long-unavailable title with an interactive press book, featurettes, lobby cards, and a pristine print (heavy on the brilliant blues). Look sharp for future Fosse hoofer (and wife) Gwen Verdon as a dancer and Tierney's famous "Laura" portrait above Duran's fireplace. "--Kathleen C. Fennessy"
Updated: 13 Nov 2009 | Total number of titles: 138 | Page: 15 of 23