Happy Go Lovely (1951)

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

When a stuffed shirt millionaire gets mistaken for a penniless reporter, it's a comical delight in Happy Go Lovely. The beautiful Vera-Ellen is a dancer in a theater troupe, headed by the always hilarious Cesar Romero, but they don't have any money to put on their show. By chance, Vera-Ellen gets a ride to a rehearsal from David Niven's chauffeur, and Cesar thinks she's intimately involved with millionaire Niven himself! Naturally, with one of his leading ladies dating a rich man, Cesar plans to exploit him and get backing for the show. When does the meet-cute tagline come in? You'll have to keep watching to find out.Happy Go Lovely is absolutely delightful, but as cute as the premise is, it wouldn't have risen above B-movie stature without the talent of its three leads. David Niven is pure comic genius, and paired against Cesar Romero, the battle of the frazzled is hilarious to watch. And, as I always say, it's a great bonus to watch two beautiful people fall in love with each other. The Niv is as handsome and studly as ever, and Vera-Ellen gets to show off her beautiful figure and incredible legs. She sings and dances, and her cuteness rubs off on Niv's character, letting his sweetness shine through as the movie continues.It's not the most well-known backstage musical out there, but it's awfully cute. Unless you actively dislike The Niv or Vera-Ellen-I can't imagine why anyone would-there's no reason why you won't love this darling little romantic comedy. It's sweet, funny, and has plenty of eye candy!

I understand that musicals and dancing were very popular back in the day. However, in the case of "Happy Go Lovely", the film really worked well and was a lovely comedy but every time they had dance numbers, the tempo of the film slowed to a crawl. It's a shame, but really think eliminating the production numbers or cutting back on them would have helped the film.The story is set in Edinburgh, which is a bit odd since it's about an American stage production and its leader, Mr. Frost (Caesar Romero). He's in a bind because the production has run out of money and the creditors are threatening to close them down before they can even open. Later, when he and others mistakenly think one of the chorus girls is a rich man's girlfriend, Frost kisses up to Janet Jones (Vera-Ellen) and gives her the lead...hoping to make her rich 'boyfriend', Mr. Bruno happy. The hope, of course, is that Bruno will then agree to finance the show. Here's where the film gets interesting, Janet actually does meet Bruno (David Niven) but thinks he's a reporter. And when she asks him to pretend to be Bruno, he agrees! What's next, apart from a lot of dull dancing? See the film.I'd give this one a seven. Without all the dancing, I'd probably give it an 8. But the comedy is sparkling and fun and the rest is filler...to much at times.

"Happy Go Lovely" has only two things going for it. And those two things are Vera-Ellen's legs. This is a British (Excelsior Films) version of an M-G-M musical complete with second tier stars. I would imagine that Vera-Ellen took this role thinking that it might finally propel her to the status of a major musical star. But, I'm sorry to say, Ms. Ellen's chance did not pay off.Opening with a horrible Scottish number and stumbling thru awful dialog to the next dull tune, this movie seems very heavy handed and sloppy. The predictable mistaken identity plot is very thin, and with the exception of David Niven, Cesar Romero (who is way over the top in his role of a Producer) and Bobby Howes (who is totally wasted in a nothing role) the rest of the cast is totally forgettable.The choreography is boring, but Ms. Ellen gives it her all. She was never as famous as most of the other musical stars(and she shouldn't be since she couldn't sing and even had a "dancing stand in" in several of her pictures". But when she did dance, it was just entrancing.It's too bad that this film that could have made her a star did not give her the tools she needed to shine.4 out of 10

Charming, little British musical much superior to those glossy MGM musicals of the same period. Although David Niven is top billed, this is Vera-Ellens film all the way. She is dazzling in several dance numbers that range from ballet, tap & modern dance - a very versatile dancer!! DVD quality is good - crystal print, lush & brilliant color, and nice sets - check out that gorgeous stain glass door!! Sound is a bit scratchy. This is my favorite Vera Ellen film - she was never lovelier.