Pretty Good

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

What's not to like about any film that has a good dose of big band music? "Sun Valley Serenade" has Glenn Miller and his orchestra with a fine cast, wonderful scenery, superb skiing and filming and an unusual, far-fetched but good plot. The film is only one of three in which Glenn Miller's band appears, and the only one of two in which he has much of a role. But the band plays half a dozen tunes, including a smashing rendition with repeats of "Chattanooga Choo Choo." Of course, we see and hear the Glenn Miller signature tunes, "Moonlight Serenade" and "In the Mood."Besides Miller and his orchestra, Tex Beneke and The Modernaires sing, Dorothy Dandridge sings, and the Nicholas Brothers have a fine song and dance routine. The last of the show entertainment comes from Sonja Henie on the ice. She does a skating routine that is spectacular with a perfect reflection off the ice. The ice is covered with a paper- thin sheet of water that doesn't ripple, splash or appear to be water. Only in a couple of instances is it even noticeable. The plot for this musical comedy and romance revolves around Henie, who arrives at Ellis Island as a refugee from Norway. She plays Karen Benson, whom Miller band member and composer Ted Scott is sponsoring as a refugee. John Payne plays Scott, who assumes he will be getting a little girl. He shows up with Glenn Miller and the whole band to meet their immigrant, and are they surprised. The band has been trying to see a music promoter to get a gig somewhere. They continue to be put off by the promoter's secretary. When a singer, Vivian Dawn (played by Lynn Bari) has a dispute with a band that is playing for her recording, Tess Scott comes to her defense. She agrees to let Phil Corey's band play for the recording and that lands them a gig playing in Sun Valley. Vivian has yes for Ted, and he for her. But before heading for the hills, Ted has to deposit his refugee with his aunt in New England. The band takes off on the train for Sun Valley. Only their manager, Nifty Allen (played by Milton Berle) has smuggled Karen on board. He has eyes for her, but she has eyes for her sponsor, Ted. Amidst the snow, scenery, music, and fun at Sun Valley, Karen plies her wiles to win Ted's affection away from Vivian. Vivian cooperates by her moodiness, impatience and nasty behavior with the band and just about everyone. We all know where this is leading and how it will end. But the fun is in enjoying the music and entertainment as it unfolds. Besides all this, we see some spectacular skiing scenes. "Sun Valley Serenade" was one of a dozen movies Sonja Henie made in Hollywood. All were successful at the box office and Henie was much liked by the public. Her films weren't especially great movies, but all were good. This is the best of the lot. When she came to the U.S., Henie had been a three-time gold medal winner in single figure skating at the Winter Olympics of 1928, 1932 and 1936. She was world figure skating champion 10 consecutive years, from 1929 to 1936. And, she was European champion seven straight years. No one has equaled her Olympic, world or combined titles in her sport since. When this film was made, Sun Valley was just five years old and was the premier ski resort in North America. It's attraction for winter sports was similar to the draw of Hawaii for beach and ocean vacations. Union Pacific Railroad chairman W Averell Harriman, was the mover and shaker who built the Sun Valley resort and community adjacent to Ketchum, Idaho. Here's a favorite line from the film. Glenn Miller's Phil Corey is talking with Milton Berle's Nifty Allen. Lynn Bari's Vivian Dawn is obviously perturbed. She has been waiting for the band to begin rehearsals while John Payne's Ted Scott is off skiing with Sonja Henie's Karen Benson. Phil Corey say, "Boy is she burning." Nifty Allen replies, "What do ya mean, burning? You could ski right down the ice on her back."This is a wonderful, entertaining film that the whole family should enjoy. Even if some don't care for swing music or the excellent sound of the big bands.

Even in her lesser films, Sonja Henie was always watchable and there was a good deal to like about her weaker outings. The bright spots were often her, the ice skating sequences and the music, while the weak link was often typically the story.The story is the weak link in 'Sun Valley Serenade'. It is structurally flimsy and is pure candy floss, merely an excuse to string along the musical numbers and the ice skating. John Payne ever so occasionally has the odd stiff and overly serious in demeanour presence.So much can be recommended however. 'Sun Valley Serenade' is exquisitely photographed and sumptuously designed. The skating sequences are jaw-droppingly imaginative and brilliantly choreographed with so much energy and grace. The breath-taking finale is the standout.Mack Gordon and Harry Warren's score and songs don't disappoint. The infectious and iconic "Chatanooga Choo Choo", accompanied by an inspired dance routine by the Nicholas Brothers who more than do it justice, while the other standout is the lovely "It Happened in Sun Valley". The film is helped hugely by the presence of Glenn Miller, who really helps give the songs their impact.A funny and charming script helps too, as does assured direction and vibrant pacing. Henie is pert and charming, and the camera clearly loves her. Her ice skating is also out of this world, and the envy perhaps of even professional ice skaters now. Payne mostly is relaxed and charming, and sings beautifully. The supporting cast do a very nice job too.On the whole, a hugely entertaining film and compares favourably in Henie's filmography. 8/10 Bethany Cox

There were nice characters in here, played by pleasant-looking actors and actresses, plus it had a famous band and some famous dancers.....yet the film just didn't work. By the time this was almost over, I was bored to death. The dialog was dumb, the humor (mainly Milton Berle's) was downright stupid and the music was just not up my alley.I've never been a big-band fan, anyway, and if I hear "In The Mood" one more time I'll puke.This was my first look at famous skater-actor Sonja Henie and I have no complaints about her. Almost part of the problem, at least with the humor, is that it's so dated it isn't funny anymore. Berle, Phil Silvers, Bob Hope, Red Skeleton, Abbot & Costello, etc. etc. were hilarious to the crowds in the 40s and 50s but humor changes, and what was funny back then is not today.

John Payne, one of those often underated actors who turn up with regularity in the 1940s, makes a good partner for the sensuous Sonja Henie in this entertaining big band romp in the snow. I've lost count of the number of times I've watched this movie but still delight in the sight and sound of the race down the mountain and of course the brilliant Nicholas Brothers. A good supporting cast and faultless production values makes this movie one to remember.