This is going to be another flippy-floppy review. On the one hand, “Silk Stockings” stars Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, so we know we’re in for some great dancing. On the other hand . . . well, I’ll tell you about it as we go.
Astaire stars as Steve Canfield, producer of a Hollywood version of “War and Peace.” He has commissioned Russian composer Boroff to write the score, but now that Boroff is in Paris, where the filming will be done, he doesn’t want to go back to Russia. The Soviets send over three agents to investigate, and after they spend some time in Paris, they don’t want to come back either. Finally, the Russian commissar pulls out his toughest weapon – Comrade Yoschenko (Cyd Charisse) a tough-as-nails woman who has made a vow to turn her back on personal desires and spend her life serving the state.
When Yoschenko reaches Paris, she’s determined to haul the three men and the composer back to Moscow by their neckties, but Steve takes one look at her and falls head over heels. It takes him a little while to break through her stony exterior, but once he does, we discover that she’s a delightful woman who actually has a first name – Ninotchka. We are treated to beautiful dance numbers as the two fall in love.
But when Steve wants to modernize some of Boroff’s music, the Russians consider it a slight and won’t allow him to do it. They return to Moscow, determined to forget all about Paris, but in the end are unable to, and return.
My difficulty with this film was the gross stereotyping of the Russians. While watching, I had to remind myself that the movie was made in a time where the Russians were enemies of the U.S., we didn’t know that much about them, and we viewed them as being cold and heartless. The movie reflects all of these perceptions. Ninotchka speaks in a monotone, her entire focus is on the common good, and she wears wool stockings and horrible dresses. During her stay in Paris, she treats herself to some silk stockings, a beautiful dress, and some snazzy heels, to discover that she really enjoys permitting herself to enjoy life. But as soon as she returns to Russia, everything is back to business. I would have enjoyed a little more humanity in the portrayal, but I’ve mentioned before that I’m fascinated by Russian culture and got to go there as a teenager, so my take will be a little different.
This movie did feature a few flirtatious moments, especially presented by the woman scheduled to star in Steve’s film, and I don’t think children would enjoy it. But if you’re an Astaire fan or just want to see some fabulous dancing, snatch this one up. This is the first time I’ve ever seen the full range of Charisse’s ability explored, and it’s truly something to behold.
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