Rich, Young and Pretty

Rich, Young and Pretty is a charming, 1951 musical comedy film directed by Norman Taurog and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The movie primarily stars the talents of three leads: the angelic Jane Powell, the elegant Danielle Darrieux, and the sturdy Wendell Corey. The film garnered attention and momentum for its nasal songs, delicate humor, and tasteful storyline, taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster of joy and confusion, surprise and anticipation.

The plot follows the young and vivacious American teenager Elizabeth Rogers, played by Jane Powell, who embarks on a thrilling trip to Paris with her father, Jim Stauton Rogers, played by Wendell Corey. Jim, a wealthy, widowed Texas rancher, wants to expose his sheltered American daughter to Paris' culture, hoping that it will enhance her understanding of life and prepare her for the future. However, unbeknownst to him, this journey sets in motion a series of nurtured secrets, endearing rivalries, and complex relationships that bring life-changing moments and romantic encounters for his daughter.

Elizabeth is no ordinary teenager. She is rich, young, and beautiful, graced with a significant amount of naivety and remarkable singing abilities. Upon her arrival in Paris, she finds herself falling in love with the city’s allure and meets Andre Milan, a charming Frenchman played by Vic Damone. Andre is a please-all, charismatic French singer who introduces her to the city in style, amplifying the Parisian dream.

The narrative takes a riveting twist when Elizabeth unexpectedly encounters her estranged mother, Marie Devarone, a famous French fashion designer, brilliantly played by Danielle Darrieux. Marie, long separated from Jim and believed to have abandoned her family, reconnects with her daughter, throwing everyone into a whirlpool of emotional turmoil and insecurities.

It’s the immersive performances that make this film such a standout. Jane Powell is radiant as the naive yet adventurous Elizabeth, delivering an innocent and charming performance that quickly tugs at the audience's heartstrings. Her singing, which provides some of the film's most stunning moments, adds further depth and authenticity to her character. Danielle Darrieux, equally impressive and eloquent, brings a great deal of class and sophistication to the character of Marie. The seasoned actress exhibits a wide spectrum of emotions with finesse, making the audience oscillate between sympathy and annoyance with her character. Wendell Corey, appearing as the resilient yet loving father, gives a stable performance, lending a strong foundation to Powell's and Darrieux's characters.

Vic Damone, who plays the romantic interest of Elizabeth, shows off his singing chops in many well-executed musical numbers, adding a layer of entertainment and fascination to the film's romantic storyline. His sync with Powell, both in terms of acting and singing, is undoubtedly one of the film's highlights and makes for several memorable moments.

A special mention must be made of the scenic beauty of Paris stunningly captured in this movie. The cinematography encapsulates the city’s charm beautifully, from its bustling streets to the iconic Eiffel Tower, making Paris an integral character itself in the story. It’s like an artist’s canvas that adds depth and vibrancy to the bittersweet narrative.

The film also benefits from an impressive supporting cast who add humor and lightheartedness to balance out the story's emotional moments.

Rich, Young and Pretty, with its sparkling charm and infectious tunes, is a memorable offering from the 1950s and a classic take on family dramas and romantic comedies. It is a joyful study of relationships, presenting a tangled web of love, longing, and realization. The movie is a treat for music lovers, with its range of catchy and delightful songs, and for those who love a good drama, there are moments filled with genuine emotion that tug at the heartstrings.

The feel-good factor coupled with its immersive narrative, stellar performances, and beautiful portrayal of Paris makes this movie a must-watch classic. So, sit back, relax, and embark on this melodious and nostalgic journey set in the heart of enchanting Paris with Rich, Young and Pretty.