I almost hate to post this review. I never thought this day would come. But I shall take a deep breath and . . . proceed to state that I hated this Gene Kelly movie. Those of you who follow my reviews know what a big Gene Kelly fan I am, but not for “Marjorie Morningstar.”
Our main character is Marjorie Morgenstern (Natalie Wood) the oldest daughter of doting Jewish parents who have raised her with high moral beliefs. She is being courted by a young man named Sandy who wants to marry her, but she wants to experience a little bit more of life before she makes up her mind. Taking the advice of a friend, she applies for, and receives, the job of dramatic councilor at a girl’s camp. Right across the pond is a posh resort, known for its wild parties and good looking men. Marjorie’s friend Marsha is just sure that the two of them will find the loves of their lives if they just row across.
Finally giving in, Marjorie goes with Marsha across the lake in a canoe. There’s a playhouse near the resort, and as Marjorie wants to be an actress, it’s only natural that she would be drawn to it. Gene Kelly is there, playing Noel Airman, a director, producer, choreographer, singer, dancer – oh, what doesn’t he do? Charming the ladies is clear up there on his list of priorities, and he does it very well. Marjorie falls for him the minute she sees him, and when he offers her a job, she leaps at the chance.
It’s not long before the two are romantically involved, but her parents want her to marry someone more stable, with an actual job, and preferably Jewish. Noel doesn’t fit into any of those molds, and he’s quite a bit older than Marjorie as well. The two are separated and Noel tries to make himself more of what he thinks Marjorie wants, in the process making himself, and her, miserable.
Okay, let’s look at the redeeming qualities of this film. Gene is a great actor, he really is. Natalie Wood was also really good in this role. We only see Gene dance a little bit, but what he does is magic. It’s also interesting that we get to see portions of a Passover feast in the Morgenstern home – this was unheard of at the time the film was made.
But on the down side, the story just really stunk. The film is a lot more sexualized than we’re used to from Gene – but it is the 50’s and things were starting to ramp up around then. He pressures her into having a physical relationship with him, gives her a guilt trip about it for the whole film, and then as soon as she gives in, he takes off. He whines and throws a fit the entire time, and then they don’t even end up together in the end.
I just can’t recommend this movie. If you’re absolutely determined to see every film that Gene Kelly or Natalie Wood ever made, then, go ahead – but it’s just not up to their usual caliber. I may have to watch some “Singin’ in the Rain” just to reinstate Gene back into my good graces.
This film was not rated.
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