Anything Goes (1956)

While in Europe, the two male stars of an upcoming Broadway musical are looking for a leading lady. In England, the older actor (Bing Crosby) discovers a young American dancer (Mitzi Gaynor) and signs her for the show while in France, the younger actor (Donald O'Connor) discovers a French dancer (Zizi Jeanmaire) and signs her up for the part. With two actresses cast in the same part, things get complicated when each of the actors fall in love with the other's discovery. This is the second film version of Cole Porter's ANYTHING GOES which was previously done in 1936 also with Crosby in the lead. This time around however, only the title remains while the plot has been completely re-written. In addition, three new songs were added that weren't written by Porter. The three new songs by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn are decidedly inferior to Porter's songs. The story line is rather flimsy but with such songs as I Get A Kick Out Of You, It's De-Lovely, You're The Top and Anything Goes, that can be overlooked. Except for a rather listless ballet, the dance numbers are rather good (Roland Petit, Nick Castle, Ernie Flatt are the choreographers) and O'Connor, Gaynor and Jeanmaire are first rate dancers. It may be rather forgettable but if you're addicted to musicals (as I am), you should have a bit of fun with it. Directed by Robert Lewis. Also in the cast: Phil Harris, Kurt Kasznar, Marcel Dalio, Ruta Lee, Nancy Kulp, Argentina Brunetti and Richard Erdman.