People are voting emotionally.

It is a performances centric movie

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

I really doubt that outside a concert staging that the 1933 Jerome Kern musical "Roberta" will ever be revived. There have been two film versions and a TV special that is more a chance for Bob Hope to do his routine than to re-create the show. The only interest in that is the fact that he was in the original cast (some 36 years before) and that co-stars Michelle Lee, John Davidson and Janis Paige are all excellent. The middle of the Keel/Grayson pairing features a reunion for them with Marge and Gower Champion and the wonderful Ann Miller who would later practically steal their third and last pairing, "Kiss Me Kate", out from the rest of the cast. They are joined by Red Skelton (a reunion with Annie from "Watch the Birdie!" and "Texas Carnival") and Kurt Kasznar, with a young Zsa Zsa Gabor playing, what else, an effervescent flirt named Zsa Zsa.Gone is the character of Roberta, Grayson's employer and Keel's aunt, who dies, leaving an unsigned will when it was her wish for Grayson to receive the business. Romantic complications between the two arise as issues over who will take control complicate matters, but together, they hope that their joint interest in making the fashion business a continued success will be resolved for their lavish fashion show finale. Grayson sings the gorgeous "Yesterdays", which was the late Roberta's favorite song (the impact is lessened by her absence, but Grayson's gorgeous singing makes it well worth hearing), duets with Keel on "You're Devastating" and sings a very poignant "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" while looking ravishing in color as the camera focuses only on her. Later, Marge and Gower dance to it with layers of fog swirling around them. The scene is set up perfectly, and it's a shame that other than being given clips in "That's Entertainment II" that this film is not as well known as it should be.After basically stealing "Easter Parade" with "Shakin' the Blues Away", Ann Miller takes over with "I'll Be Hard to Handle" with chorus boys decked out in animal masks. It's a great modern staging of a number performed by Ginger Rogers with a French accent in the 1935 version and with a disco beat by Janis Paige in the 1969 TV version. Ironically, all three of these ladies were Broadway "Mame's", and when Paige performed "Stereophonic Sound" with Fred Astaire in "Silk Stockings", the similarities between her vivacity and Ms. Miller's became more than a little obvious. "I Won't Dance", another duet for Marge and Gower, is also wonderfully staged, a great follow-up from "Show Boat's" "Life Upon the Wicked Stage", and certainly standing out on its own. The fashion show finale, directed with the usual Vincent Minnelli pizazz and elegance, isn't as campy as the fashion show from "The Women", and perfectly represents what Paris fashion seems to be all about.

This is a very loose remake of The wonderful "Roberta", one of Jerome Kern's finest Broadway shows. The original movie starred Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Irene Dunne (in one of her finest singing roles on screen, the other being the original "Showboat"). There is absolutely no comparison between these movies. The original is really a fabulous Art Deco wonder, and includes a fashion show near the end, during which an extremely young, very blond Lucille Ball can be seen as a model. Skip this horrible movie and see the original in all of its splendor. As much as I love Ann Miller and Kathryn Grayson, this is far from their best work, and I simply cannot stand Red Skelton.

The original treatment of this musical is from RKO in 1935 and called ROBERTA. It is possibly one of the most sublime movies, yet alone a musical, ever created. This healthy and sumptuous remake from 1952 has several genuinely jaw-dropping sequences, such is the lavish talent and extraordinary musical treatment from MGM at their musical zenith. Imagine Hollywood trying to come even close to making this film today! That is a genuine Mission Impossible. They would have to add a few killings to get the marketing dept to even understand it. That moan aside, I am very grateful to have LOVELY TO LOOK AT as well as ROBERTA in my life to charm me and to make me and my friends very happy. The two standout sequences in particular are "I won't dance" with Marge and Gower at their snazzy stylish dancing best...and yes all in one very clever take...and the astonishing fashion show finale, which should be mandatory for study in every part of every film school. The only misgivings are the lame and out of date comedy from Red Skelton hamming it up for the American Mid West audiences, and Howard Keel bellowing as usual. But for great women and eye popping clothes..the title says it all.

Typical MGM treatment. Not much plot but the musical numbers are beautifully staged and the whole production is much more enjoyable than the Astaire-Rogers version. Grayson and Keel blend well in their duets and Ann Miller is in top form. Marge and Gower Champion have a field day in their roles and certainly deserve the praises they received during their time together. Red Skelton was always a class act and this role is no exception.