I’m a huge Fred Astaire fan. I’m sure you’ve figured that out. But you know, I still haven’t quite decided what I think about “Finian’s Rainbow,” the last movie in which Fred Astaire had a dancing role.
Finian McLonergan (Astaire) has emigrated from Ireland with his beautiful daughter Sharon (Petula Clark, who was nominated for Best Actress for this role). They are starting a whole new life for themselves in Rainbow Valley, Missitucky (of course, this is a made-up location, and a downright clever one, too!) Finian has a secret – he has a pot of gold, stolen from a leprechaun. He believes that if he buries his gold in Rainbow Valley, which is near Fort Knox, the money will multiply. Well, it could happen, right?
The overly-hyper leprechaun (Tommy Steele) isn’t very pleased that his pot of gold has been stolen, and he has tracked Finian all the way to Missitucky in the hopes of getting his money back. If he’s not successful, he’ll turn mortal. What he doesn’t count on is falling for Susan, a beautiful deaf-mute who communicates through dance.
I was not able to decide if this movie was a fairy tale in a modern setting, or if it was a modern movie with magical elements. There were moments of definite spoof, and I didn’t find Susan’s dancing convincing as a means of expression. It reminded me somewhat of Lassie barking – “What? You mean Timmy fell down the well and the water level is dangerously rising?” However, if you’re willing to suspend disbelief for a little while, maybe that wouldn’t annoy you like it did me.
This movie is full of musical numbers (including “Look to the Rainbow,”) jokes, dancing, and a bit of racial controversy as well. The Senator of the state of Missitucky is racist, and as part of his punishment, gets to spend some time with dark skin himself. While gathering links for this blog, I found that quite a bit of controversy exists over this plot twist, although I didn’t feel uncomfortable with it at the time. I guess this is another situation where you watch it and decide for yourself.
So did I like the movie? I have to say, I really don’t know. Parts of it – yes. Parts of it – no. The parts are battling it out and haven’t declared a winner yet.
This film is rated G.
Related Blogs:
Fred Astaire: the Dancing King