Duchess of Idaho

MGM, 1950
Starring Esther Williams, John Lund, Van Johnson, and Paula Raymond
Directed by Robert Z. Leonard
Music by Al Rinker and others; Lyrics by Floyd Huddleston and others

Esther Williams was at her peak as one of MGM's top stars when she appeared in this romantic comedy. This was her fourth time with Van Johnson as her leading man, who'd also reached his peak as a favorite. How does this tale of shenanigans at the popular Sun Valley ski resort look nowadays? Let's head to the theater where shy Ellen Hallett (Raymond) and her bolder sister Christine Riverton Duncan (Williams) appear in a show and find out...

The Story: Ellen is crazy about her handsome boss, Douglas Morrison Jr. (Lund), but can't bring herself to tell him. Christine helps her by following Douglas to Sun Valley and making a play for him. She's hoping he'll call for Ellen, who often pretends to be his fiancee when he has a woman in love with him that he can't fend off. Trouble is, not only does Douglas fall for her, but so does the handsome, cocky band leader Dick Layn (Johnson). Trouble is, she finds herself in love with Dick, while Douglas falls for her. Now she has to steer Douglas to Ellen, while not losing Dick's attentions.

The Song and Dance: With a story that light, the song and dance are the main attractions here. Williams and Johnson always did work well together, and this movie is no exception. They're relaxed and have decent chemistry together, making the silly story more believable than it might have been otherwise. The Sun Valley setting allows for some colorful costumes and sets, especially on the slopes. The Technicolor glows here, even when it's obvious that the backgrounds aren't real.

Favorite Number: Williams sneaks in two water ballets in the beginning and the end, including the elaborate opening number with wide red slides. Lena Horne shows up to sing a decent ballad, "Baby Come Out of the Clouds." Eleanor Powell, in her final film, shows off her still-decent dancing legs with a sparkling solo late in the film. Williams and Johnson get a cute dance with a potato that involves a lot of leaning over and bumping noses.

My favorite song from this one is the jivin' "You Can't Do Wrong Doin' Right." Johnson and Connie Haines join his orchestra for a spoof of academics, with Johnson as a hep cat professor. The song is catchy, and the duo perform it with a great deal of vigor.

Trivia: Along with being Powell's last movie, this was Lena Horne's last film at MGM and one of Skelton's last MGM films.

What I Don't Like: Did I mention that fluffy story? Like most of Williams' vehicles, it's barely noticeable. This really isn't the place for people looking for something more dramatic or meatier. Lund and Raymond are smarmy and dull respectively as the second couple. Also, Williams is only in the water in the beginning and the end. Most of this movie was designed to show off her comedic talents rather than her swimming.

The Big Finale: This is a pleasant enough way to pass an hour and a half if you love Williams, Johnson, or big-band music.

Home Media: Currently only on DVD via the Warner Archives.

DVD