Bathing Beauty

Bathing Beauty is a 1944 American musical comedy film directed by George Sidney. The film showcases the exceptional talents of Red Skelton, Esther Williams, and Basil Rathbone in an engaging storyline that combines humor, romance, and a spectacle of synchronized swimming and dance sequences.

The film’s lead, Red Skelton, dazzles with his comedic prowess that he was renowned for in his era. He plays the character of Steve Elliot, a charming songwriter, who navigates through an array of comedic highs and lows with a perfect blend of slapstick and verbal comedy.

The story takes off when Steve Elliot, marries Caroline Brooks, strikingly performed by the swimming sensation of the '40s, Esther Williams. Caroline is a school teacher at a women's college. However, their marital bliss is short-lived when an unintended misunderstanding spearheaded by Caroline's former fiancé, Basil Rathbone playing the character of George Adams, leads to them separating. Adams orchestrates this misunderstanding because he still wants to marry Caroline. After the misunderstanding, the determined and love-struck Steve Elliot enrolls at the same all-women's college where Caroline teaches, with the intent to win her back.

As the only male on campus, Steve's presence creates a stir among the ladies and sets the stage for an abundance of comical situations and romantic entanglements. Skelton's character exhibits the traits of a fish out of water, bringing a slapstick comedic aspect to his role. His distinct comedic style makes for a hilarious and entertaining watch throughout the movie.

One cannot discuss Bathing Beauty without mentioning the iconic Esther Williams. Known for her synchronized swimming skills, Williams' performance is an absolute pageantry of aquatic finesse. Introduced in this film, Esther stuns the audience with her sports prowess, especially in the underwater ballet sequence, now considered a classic in cinema history. Her acting skills are on par as she convincingly portrays the independent, tough yet heartbroken character of Caroline.

Basil Rathbone, famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the 30s and 40s, perfectly complements the comic timings of Skelton and the glamour of Williams. As George Adams, he brings to the screen a suave villain character whose manipulations and ploys feed into the comedic narrative of the story.

Besides the lead characters, the film boasts a rich supporting cast that includes flamboyant characters that add more humor and color to the plot. Jean Porter and Janis Paige portray delightful supporting characters, and their narrative nicely interweaves with the main plot, adding a diversity of character interactions and sub-plots.

The extravagant production numbers are one of the many highlights of Bathing Beauty. The film features well-choreographed dance sequences, particularly the grand finale which involves the delightful spectacle of synchronized swimming. This, combined with outstanding sets, contributes to the overall visually stunning element of the film.

The soundtrack of the film resonates with the upbeat narrative, featuring an array of catchy tunes. The film includes songs such as "I Cried For You” and “I'll Take The High Note," further enhancing the buoyant ambience of the film.

Bathing Beauty set a precedent for the 'Aqua Musicals’ that followed in the years to come and marked the beginning of Esther Williams' solo career. Her performances and the astounding sequences involving synchronized swimming have been deemed iconic over the years.

Brimming with vibrant performances, delightful humor, and breathtaking water sequences, Bathing Beauty is a classic romantic comedy. It provides an entertaining viewing experience with a hearty serving of laughter, romance, and spectacle along with a riveting storyline. It truly reveals the best of the 1940s Hollywood cinema, and its lively performances will undoubtedly capture the hearts of a contemporary audience.