You know this is a comedy that lives in the slapstick category of humor when a bicycle built for four, ridden by three coeds and a guitarist, comes out of a closet. Before that, you might guess that the humor borders on the absurd when you realize the steamy romantic relationship the film revolves around is between Esther Williams and Red Skelton.
Once you have dispensed with any notion that the plot of Bathing Beauty bears a resemblance to reality, it is easy to sit back and accept the film as an amorphic assemblage of skits. Like many films of its era, it tries to jam as much entertainment into two hours as possible, utilizing the talent at hand. Bathing Beauty combines singing, dancing, comedy routines, pantomime, an aqua-routine reminiscent of Busby Berkeley including flaming water fountains, trumpet and organ solos, Stoogesque physical comedy, and Skelton's comedic touches that were the staple of his TV show for year to come.
Esther Williams is, of course, beautiful. In fact, she is stunning. And some of the wardrobe she wears is amazing. Skelton is clever and his brand of physical comedy is sometimes silly, sometimes nearly poetic.
The rest of the cast feels like a ensemble. They even put Harry James in a kick line. Jean Porter, a diminutive coed with spunk, plays a part usually given a name like "Jinx". She gives the film a shot of energy and vitality.
Bathing Beauty does display a vibrant color palette. It's an attractive wartime distraction that Americans flocked to, and it's still a pleasant diversion today. It also features the debut of Janis Paige, the creation of Esther Williams' aquastar personna, plenty of wonderful music, and a performance of "I'll Take the High Note" that is the highlight of the film.
Once you have dispensed with any notion that the plot of Bathing Beauty bears a resemblance to reality, it is easy to sit back and accept the film as an amorphic assemblage of skits. Like many films of its era, it tries to jam as much entertainment into two hours as possible, utilizing the talent at hand. Bathing Beauty combines singing, dancing, comedy routines, pantomime, an aqua-routine reminiscent of Busby Berkeley including flaming water fountains, trumpet and organ solos, Stoogesque physical comedy, and Skelton's comedic touches that were the staple of his TV show for year to come.
Esther Williams is, of course, beautiful. In fact, she is stunning. And some of the wardrobe she wears is amazing. Skelton is clever and his brand of physical comedy is sometimes silly, sometimes nearly poetic.
The rest of the cast feels like a ensemble. They even put Harry James in a kick line. Jean Porter, a diminutive coed with spunk, plays a part usually given a name like "Jinx". She gives the film a shot of energy and vitality.
Bathing Beauty does display a vibrant color palette. It's an attractive wartime distraction that Americans flocked to, and it's still a pleasant diversion today. It also features the debut of Janis Paige, the creation of Esther Williams' aquastar personna, plenty of wonderful music, and a performance of "I'll Take the High Note" that is the highlight of the film.