Overlook the misleading title. The plot doesn't really focus on the aquatic talents of Esther Williams and her bathing suits. While she does have two amazing swimming sequences, including an elaborate water ballet, the story focuses on the attempts of song writer Red Skelton to woo Williams who married him impulsively. To do this, he registers as a student at the all-girl college where she teaches. This results in extended skits for Skelton to clown, especially a rather violent one where dance teacher Ann Codee basically slaps him silly while he clowns in a tutu. At least the dance sequence where fellow students each try to get rid of a sticky note remains funny. The sequence will bring back memories of I Love Lucy's charm school episode.
The musical sequences fare better than some of Skelton's shtick, particularly a sketch where he demonstrates in pantomime of how a lady gets dressed in the morning. I'll Take the High Note is particularly enjoyable, jazzing up Loch Loman and featuring practically every specialty act in the film including Ethel Smith at her organ and the big band swinging of Harry James and his band. Diminuative Jean Porter is a feisty young lady who stands out in this, while a young Janis Paige is clearly recognizable as the other student. Smith has another specialty as she makes solo organ music even hotter than the brief presence of the over-the-top ego of Xavier Cugat.
In spite of Ms. William's criticism of her own acting here, she's actually fine here, because she spends more time reacting to Skelton than having to emote. There's a ton of supporting players, although most of them get little to do. I wouldn't call Skelton and Williams a dream team, but there is plenty to like, topped by a gorgeous finale that in less capable hands would be a major bore.
The musical sequences fare better than some of Skelton's shtick, particularly a sketch where he demonstrates in pantomime of how a lady gets dressed in the morning. I'll Take the High Note is particularly enjoyable, jazzing up Loch Loman and featuring practically every specialty act in the film including Ethel Smith at her organ and the big band swinging of Harry James and his band. Diminuative Jean Porter is a feisty young lady who stands out in this, while a young Janis Paige is clearly recognizable as the other student. Smith has another specialty as she makes solo organ music even hotter than the brief presence of the over-the-top ego of Xavier Cugat.
In spite of Ms. William's criticism of her own acting here, she's actually fine here, because she spends more time reacting to Skelton than having to emote. There's a ton of supporting players, although most of them get little to do. I wouldn't call Skelton and Williams a dream team, but there is plenty to like, topped by a gorgeous finale that in less capable hands would be a major bore.