While grouse shooting in Scotland, Americans Tommy (Gene Kelly) and Jeff (Van Johnson) lose their way in the mist. When it clears they find themselves in a most unusual village.
This beguiling MGM version of Alan J Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s magical stage musical about a Scottish village that comes to life every hundred years is an overlooked and often derided movie in director Vincente Minnelli’s canon.
It boasts a wonderful score and magnificent arrangements, plus an imaginative studio set, while the use of early CinemaScope enhances the brilliant lateral stage choreography.
Yet the real heart of the film lies in the casting. The great Gene Kelly could not be bettered as the American in love in a faraway time and a foreign clime.
His duet with Cyd Charisse – The Heather on the Hill – is enchanting (though it was deleted from the British cinema version) and, as Kelly’s buddy-in-booze, Van Johnson positively shines.
Tommy Albright
Gene Kelly Jeff Douglas
Van Johnson Fiona Campbell
Cyd Charisse Jane Ashton
Elaine Stewart Mr Lundie
Barry Jones Harry Beaton
Hugh Laing Andrew Campbell
Albert Sharpe Jean Campbell
Virginia Bosler Charlie Chisholm Dalrymple
Jimmy Thompson Archie Beaton
Tudor Owen Angus
Owen McGivney Ann
Dee Turnell Meg Brockie
Dody Heath Sandy
Eddie Quillan
Director
Vincente Minnelli
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Harry Beaton
