Luxury Liner (1948)

The teenage daughter (Jane Powell) of an ocean liner's captain (George Brent) stows away on her father's ship in the hope of showcasing her singing skills to a famous opera star (Lauritz Melchior). Directed by Richard Whorf (TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY), this Technicolor pastry from MGM should be lighter than air but it's more like a fruitcake that's been on the shelf too long. Powell's perky teen irritates after awhile especially as she sticks her nose where it's not needed or wanted. Between Powell's trilling and Melchior's bellowing, the Latin rhythms of Xavier Cugat are a welcome relief. The most interesting character is the passenger played by Frances Gifford. Overwhelmed by a wealthy man (Richard Derr) used to getting what he wants and who refuses to accept her rejection, she's torn between giving in or standing her ground. But the movie was a success at the box office and pushed Powell into star status (she's billed below Brent here) at MGM. With Marina Koshetz, John Ridgely and Connie Gilchrist.