This musical just never gets a lot of traction for me, the setting is so completely odd, aside from a few bowties and letter sweaters, the fashions and women's hairstyles at "Tait College" are completely 1940s - not the 20s that the film...
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This musical just never gets a lot of traction for me, the setting is so completely odd, aside from a few bowties and letter sweaters, the fashions and women's hairstyles at "Tait College" are completely 1940s - not the 20s that the film is set in. There are not really any scenes that require a 1920s setting. Lawford and Allyson both have rather deep and hip voices, but Lawford can't sing a lick. He is fairly good with his dialog.

The music is a saving grace, a decent version of "The Best Things in Life are Free" and the amazing "Pass that Peacepipe" number with the athletic stomp dancing of Joan McCracken lighting up the screen. Mel Torme chimes in with some definite "velvet fog" in some places. But all in all, the production's entire style is tepid, striding an uncomfortable line between nostalgiac and post-War cool that leaves it in neither camp.