Inspired by Roy Del Ruth's Folies Bergère de Paris and Irving Cummings' That Night in Rio, Walter Lang's 1951 Technicolor production features Danny Kaye in the dual role previously assumed by Maurice Chevalier (in Folies) and Don Ameche (in Rio). Kaye's Jack Martin is an American song-and-dance man based in Monte Carlo. When playboy aviator Henri Duran (Kaye with a French accent) returns from his latest adventure, Martin notices his own uncanny resemblance to Duran—and takes note of Duran's neglected wife, Lili (Gene Tierney). After Duran is called away on business, Martin accepts an invitation to impersonate him for an important function, which gives him the chance to cozy up to Lili—and infuriate his dance partner, Colette (Corinne Calvet). Duran pays him back with an impersonation of his own. While it's not Twelfth Night, On the Riviera is an enjoyable diversion, as well as a family affair, since designer Oleg Cassini outfitted wife Tierney, and Sylvia Fine penned tunes for husband Kaye (except for the standard “Ballin' the Jack”). Look sharp for future Bob Fosse hoofer (and wife) Gwen Verdon as a dancer and Tierney's famous portrait from Laura above Duran's fireplace. Although considered a minor effort in the Kaye canon—the musical was more of an audience favorite than a critical darling—this engaging film (released as part of a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Kaye's birth) makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray, with a retrospective featurette and profiles of Kaye and choreographer Jack Cole. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)
On the Riviera
Fox, 90 min., not rated, Blu-ray: $24.99 Volume 29, Issue 1
On the Riviera
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