Movie 14 - "Royal Wedding"

So I was supposed to do this 1951 movie yesterday in honor of the big to-do, but I forgot.  Shocker!  This is a Fred Astaire/Jane Powell musical where the two play American brother/sister dance act Tom and Ellen Bowen.  They are joined by Sarah Churchill, as Anne Ashmond and Peter Lawford (Ahhhh), as Lord John Brisdale.

Tom and Ellen have just gotten the opportunity to perform in London at the same time as the Royal wedding!!  They are both pretty much married to their work and just play the field, never really wanting anything serious.  Then on the boat, Ellen meets Lord John Brisdale.  The next thing you know, the two are inseparable.  Once in England, the usual workaholic, Tom meets Anne.  She is a dancer trying out for their show.  She is also engaged.  But they enjoy each other's company very much.  We also get to meet Anne's dad Jamie, played by Albert Sharpe.  Talk about comic relief!  His anti-everything attitude leaves very little for him to be agreeable about, even Americans.  We also get to see a great Fred Astaire number where he dances with a coat rack and various gym equipment.  This is a famous number.  This movie also has the dance number where the pair are trying to dance beautifully when the ship begins to rock.  They end up falling all over the place!  Tom is hoping that Anne's engagement isn't the most sure thing.  Since they are far apart, Tom has a pretty good shot.  Meanwhile, Ellen and John fall in love, which is new for her and the former playboy.  -Perfect role for Peter Lawford!-  After singing to Anne's portrait, Tom begins to defy gravity when he dances on the walls and ceiling of his hotel room.  Later, Tom finds out that Anne's fiance married someone else without her knowing!  He thinks she will be upset.  Turns out she is thrilled.  She had been feeling horrible for falling in love with Tom.  Tom ruins the moment by talking about his inability to commit.  Poor planning big guy!  At the same time, John is asking Ellen to marry him.  The two Bowens are hesitant to do anything for fear of leaving the other alone.  A predicament ensues.  What should they do?  The Royal Wedding day arrives and none of the players are happy at all.  They know what they want but have difficulty following through.  All of a sudden, the two are ready to commit.  Can they get their loves before it is too late?

A few people were to star with Fred Astaire in this picture.  June Allyson was first cast, but recast due to a pregnancy.  Judy Garland was next in line, but was fired from MGM.  So Jane Powell got the lead and I am glad.  It was a close call though.  She found out she was pregnant at the end of shooting!  A fun, slapsticky musical worth the watch.