Happy Go Lovely

1951 "Love...Fun...Youth...Set to Music!"
6.5| 1h37m| NA| en| More Info
Released: 06 March 1951 Released
Producted By: Marcel Hellman Productions
Country:
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

B.G. Bruno, a rich bachelor, the head of a successful greeting-card company in Scotland, is essentially a kind man but respectable to the point of stodginess and extreme stuffiness. An American troupe visiting Edinburgh wants to produce a musical in town but has trouble getting backers. Bruno meets several of the leading ladies of the show; through a misunderstanding he doesn't correct they think that he's a newspaper reporter. He falls in love with one of the women, who reciprocates; he grows more lively and friendly, to the surprise of his employees. After a series of mishaps and comic incidents comes a happy ending: a successful show and true love.

Genre

Comedy, Music, Romance

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Director

H. Bruce Humberstone

Production Companies

Marcel Hellman Productions

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Happy Go Lovely Audience Reviews

Actuakers One of my all time favorites.
Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.
Janis One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
Billy Ollie Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
MartinHafer I understand that musicals and dancing were very popular back in the day. However, in the case of "Happy Go Lovely", the film really worked well and was a lovely comedy but every time they had dance numbers, the tempo of the film slowed to a crawl. It's a shame, but really think eliminating the production numbers or cutting back on them would have helped the film.The story is set in Edinburgh, which is a bit odd since it's about an American stage production and its leader, Mr. Frost (Caesar Romero). He's in a bind because the production has run out of money and the creditors are threatening to close them down before they can even open. Later, when he and others mistakenly think one of the chorus girls is a rich man's girlfriend, Frost kisses up to Janet Jones (Vera-Ellen) and gives her the lead...hoping to make her rich 'boyfriend', Mr. Bruno happy. The hope, of course, is that Bruno will then agree to finance the show. Here's where the film gets interesting, Janet actually does meet Bruno (David Niven) but thinks he's a reporter. And when she asks him to pretend to be Bruno, he agrees! What's next, apart from a lot of dull dancing? See the film.I'd give this one a seven. Without all the dancing, I'd probably give it an 8. But the comedy is sparkling and fun and the rest is filler...to much at times.
Lee Eisenberg This dull attempt at eye candy casts Vera-Ellen as an American dancer performing in Edinburgh who gets mistakenly linked to a local businessman (David Niven). It's a totally predictable movie. Cesar Romero, as the nervous impresario, is the only reason to watch it. In fact, I kept wishing that Romero would start acting like his interpretation of the Joker on "Batman"! But seriously, there's no reason to waste your time on "Happy Go Lovely". Ridiculous movies should be fun, like "Killer Klowns from Outer Space". Yes, it's partly that I've never been into romantic comedies or musicals. I usually heckle these sorts of movies like on "Mystery Science Theater 3000".
skiddoo While this takes place at the Edinburgh Festival which started in 1947, I think it is a production suitable for the Fringe, which was originally a group of eight theater companies rejected by the Festival who set up around the edges. The movie makes it clear this is NOT the highbrow entertainment the Festival had in mind! It's one step above Springtime for Hitler but that's about the best that could be said for it UNTIL the lead quits just short of starvation and Vera-Ellen is put in because of her supposed connections to wealth. Cesar Romero's character reminded me very strongly of the character Walter Abel played in Holiday Inn, the hyperactive promoter.So how is this different from other movies of its kind? It has Scottish actors playing locals not whimsical characters (the only kilt is on Romero) and a cast of Brits of various stripes. I don't know a lot about the British theater of the time but from the few I looked up I'd say they had an embarrassment of riches in the cast and a British audience back then would have seen something different from what I saw.It has Vera-Ellen dancing her pretty little toes off. It has suave and smiling David Niven which isn't exactly common for a musical. And it has some acting that is genuine. The leads don't behave in the usual feather-headed way that we are used to in these mixed identity plots. The fellow is enjoying the situation and not a bit upset at the deception. There's no declaration of, "You are the only one who is totally honest with me," and then the tiresome, "How can I ever trust you again?" The gal confesses to him before it is absolutely necessary and she isn't angry with him when she finds out who he is. In short, they act pretty much the same way normal folks might act in a similarly bizarre situation and I found that refreshing.I looked up how much that check would be in today's money and it was BIG.Vera-Ellen was so talented, her dancing seemingly so effortless. And that rich deep voice, such a contrast to what one might expect from someone her size--definitely different from her delightfully offbeat roommate's voice.I would have liked more Edinburgh shots but this was a nation still struggling up out of the pit, still rationing some items, still dealing with destruction. So you get what you get and in that it's more Holyrood than Hollywood. If you want more of Scotland of the period, albeit rural Scotland, I'd suggest I Know Where I'm Going, from 1945. And for a movie showing some good outdoor scenes in England I'd suggest Passport to Pimlico, 1949, or The Titfield Thunderbolt, 1953.
jbd12 Charming, little British musical much superior to those glossy MGM musicals of the same period. Although David Niven is top billed, this is Vera-Ellens film all the way. She is dazzling in several dance numbers that range from ballet, tap & modern dance - a very versatile dancer!! DVD quality is good - crystal print, lush & brilliant color, and nice sets - check out that gorgeous stain glass door!! Sound is a bit scratchy. This is my favorite Vera Ellen film - she was never lovelier.