Barnes & Noble

"New York, New York, it's a wonderful town..." -- and this is a wonderful film. With exhilarating location shooting that captures the wonders of the city -- unheard of for a Hollywood musical in 1949 -- as well as memorable tunes and engaging performances by Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin, this tale of three sailors trying to make the most of 24 hours' leave in the Big Apple bursts with energy. Of course, each gob meets a gal who catches his eye, and romantic desires, dalliances, and delights fill this very special day. Based on a Broadway hit, the film was codirected by Kelly and Stanley Donen, the team that would bring us Singin' in the Rain. The rich choreographic inventions include the "Miss Subways" ballet and a joyful group number atop the Empire State Building. Winner of an Oscar for Best Score, On the Town is one of the jewels to come out of MGM in its heyday. Karen Backstein

All Movie Guide

Three sailors on a 24-hour pass -- Gabey (Gene Kelly), Chip (Frank Sinatra), and Ozzie (Jules Munshin) -- decide to soak up the sights and sounds of New York in On the Town. Each one finds romance within those 24 hours: Gabey with aspiring dancer Ivy Smith (Vera-Ellen), Chip with lady cabbie Hildy Esterhazy (Betty Garrett), and Ozzie with paleontology student Claire Huddesten (Ann Miller). That's all, right? Wellll....Ivy passes herself off as a celebrity, but she's actually a kootch dancer in Coney Island. Claire and the boys inadvertently topple a dinosaur replica at the Museum of Anthropological History. And Hildy breaks any number of speeding laws attempting to get the lovers together and straighten out all misunderstandings. Adapted from the Broadway musical by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Leonard Bernstein, On the Town is one of the freshest, most exhilarating musicals turned out by the old MGM regime. The stars' verve and camaraderie are contagious, and the songs are staged by legendary musical director Stanley Donen and Kelly himself with wit and innovation. Highlights: the opening "New York, New York" number, shot on location and flat-cutting from one image to another at a dizzying pace; and Gene Kelly and Vera-Ellen's "Miss Turnstyles Ballet." Hal Erickson

Product Details

• UPC: 883929005956
• Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, Français
• Time: 1:38:00
• Sales Rank: 8,541

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Gene Kelly Gift Set
• The Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly Collection

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