Silk Stockings

Silk Stockings is a star-studded, classic musical film released in 1957, which features legendary screen icons like Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, and Janis Paige. Directed by Rouben Mamoulian and produced by Arthur Freed, it is a heady blend of music, dance, comedy, and romance, which highlight the quintessential glamor of 1950s Hollywood. Known particularly for its sweeping dance sequences, the film's choreography is masterfully executed, oozing with Astaire's signature charm and Charisse’s remarkable elegance.

In this film, Fred Astaire plays Steve Canfield, a charming American film producer in Paris. His mission is to convince noted Russian composer Peter Illych Boroff, played by Wim Sonneveld, to compose the music for his next big Hollywood film. However, this is not going to be an easy task because Boroff's handlers from the Soviet Ministry of Culture believe that Hollywood is a corrupting influence and are intent on bringing him back to Russia.

The Soviet trio, Brankov, Bibinski, and Ivanov which are artfully played by Peter Lorre, Jules Munshin, and Joseph Buloff, plot to bring Boroff back but Canfield, with his consummate skills of persuasion, charms them into staying in Paris. Seemingly defeated, the trio send for their secret weapon- Ninotchka Yoschenko, a stern emissary from the Ministry of Culture, played by Cyd Charisse. Her character is presented as a stringent believer in the Soviet system, cold, stern, and impervious to the la dolce vita of Western society, particularly Paris - the city of romance.

However, Canfield has other ideas and decides to charm Ninotchka into not only allowing Boroff to stay and work on his film, but to experience the joys of Paris and, in turn, fall for his own charms. Janis Paige brilliantly portrays Peggy Dayton, a sensational Hollywood actress who has a key role in Canfield's film. She is vivacious, sassy and provides a delightful contrast to the reserve and austerity of Ninotchka's character.

The screenplay, written by Leonard Gershe and based on the original 1939 story 'Ninotchka' by Melchior Lengyel, cleverly weaves politics, satire, romance, and comedy into a tapestry of 1950s luxury. This film is a musical remake of the original non-musical version, introducing an extensive array of captivating numbers by Cole Porter, including the titular 'Silk Stockings.'

Astaire, as always, is effortlessly debonair, engaging, and a pure joy to watch. His exceptional dancing ability is showcased through a series of remarkable dance sequences and ensures that each scene is imbued with an undeniable charm and sparkle.

Charisse brilliantly portrays the transition of Ninotchka, delivering a delicate balance of icy reserve and hidden vulnerability that ultimately culminates in a lush display of feminine warmth. Her balletic grace rises to the occasion in the dance sequences, matching Astaire's steps while maintaining a charismatic presence of her own. Their chemistry on-screen is palpable, often seen as many consider this one of the best pairings for Astaire.

Glamorously shot in CinemaScope and Eastmancolor, the film captures the enchanting allure of Paris, the buzzing creativity of Hollywood, while encapsulating the shadow of Cold War politics.

Silk Stockings may be grounded in the 1950s, but its wit, humor, and musically underscored romance make it timeless. It's an example of the golden period of Hollywood musical glory and continues to draw audiences who are not just fans of Astaire or Charisse but admirers of classic comedies built around skillful dance performances, clever writing, and iconic music. Just as silk stockings were a symbol of luxury in the '50s, the film parallels this idea by presenting a world of indulgence, romance, and fantasy seen through a musical lens.