Golden Girl (1951)

A vivacious teenage girl (Mitzi Gaynor) in a small California town has theatrical ambitions. When her father's (James Barton) gambling debts cause the family to lose the boarding house that supported them, she tours the country as a song and dance entertainer. Directed by Lloyd Bacon (MARKED WOMAN). Although based on the life of Lotta Crabtree, one of the most beloved entertainers of the late 19th century, this musical biography is highly fictitious. The movie concocts some dubious plot about Crabtree falling in love with a Confederate spy (Dale Robertson), who robs gold shipments in the North to send to the South. Musicals and westerns are my favorite genres and I usually bend over backwards toward their shortcomings but boy, is this one a stinker! Mediocre musical numbers, silly cliched plot and poor acting. An overly perky Mitzi Gaynor becomes annoying after awhile though she has one good number where she shows us her en pointe ballet skills. A big misfire. With Una Merkel, Dennis Day and Carmen D'Antonio as Lola Montez.