Main Cast: Van Johnson, Esther Williams, Frances Gifford, Henry Travers, Spring Byington
Release Year: 1945
Country: US
Run Time: 105 minutes
Plot
This aquatic musical is set at a mountain resort in the beautiful Sierra Nevadas where a heroic Army Air Corpsman has come for a vacation. There he falls in love with the lovely swimming instructor, who is unfortunately newly married to a rather stodgy businessman. The mayhem begins when her new husband is called to Washington on urgent business. Songs include: "Please Don't Say No, Say Maybe," "I Should Care," "Lonely Night," "Vive L'Amour," "Schubert's Serenade" and "The Thrill Of A Romance." ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Review
Modern audiences may find Thrill of a Romance more than a bit hokey -- and with good reason -- but many will also find themselves enjoying this lightweight aquatic musical. With Esther Williams on hand, of course, that means there's going to be plenty of scenes in, on and around some sort of swimming area, and Thrill sets it up naturally enough by making Williams not only a swimming instructor but one who is on her honeymoon at a lovely spa. Plot is not usually a strong point in the Swimming Queen's films, and Thrill is no exception; the story really exists only so there will be something to fill the screen time between the water escapades and the songs. Williams is reunited with frequent co-star Van Johnson, with whom she has a genuine rapport, and the two stars make their time on screen pleasant and diverting. Neither one is turning in a great performance, but great performances are aside the point in this kind of flick. There's some welcome musical support from Lauritz Melchior and Tommy Dorsey (including a killer Buddy Rich drum solo), beautiful Technicolor, plenty of costumes and efficient Richard Thorpe direction. No classic, Thrill is simply featherweight entertainment, and entertaining as such. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Lauritz Melchior - Nils Knudsen; Carleton Young - Robert G. Delbar; Ethel Griffies - Mrs. Fenway; Donald Curtis - K.O. Karny; Jerry Scott - Lyonel; Fernando Alvarado - Julio; Helene Stanley - Susan; Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra; Vince Barnett - Oscar; Jack Baxley - Detective; Virginia Brissac - Secretary; Douglas Cowan; Henry Daniels, Jr.; Frank Ferguson; Arno Frey - Headwaiter; Ray Goulding - Dance Extra; Thurston Hall - J.P. Bancroft; Stuart Holmes - Chess Player; Billy House - Dr. Tove; Selmar Jackson - Hotel Clerk; The King Sisters - Specialty; Tim Murdock - Naval Ensign; Alex Novinsky; Robert E. O'Connor - Mr. Vemmering; Dagmar Oakland - Guest at Reception; Jean Porter - Ga-ga Bride; Pierre Watkin - Tycoon; Xavier Cugat; Jack Shea - Donald Curtis' Diving Double; Wally Boag; Dick Earle - Mr. Carter; Carli Elinor - Gypsy Orchestra Leader; Joe Sullivan - Canadian Flier
