(1960)
2.5
Craig Butler
Onstage, Cole Porter's Can-Can was a hit largely because of its attractive (if not top-notch) score and the electrifying performance of Gwen Verdon (in a supporting role). The score, supplemented of course, remains fetching in the film version, but there's no Verdon -- or anyone else -- to provide the bolt of lightning that is called for. As on Broadway, the script deserves a large part of the blame, a mediocre and barely serviceable frame upon which to hang the songs and dances. Although director Walter Lang and costume designer Irene Sharaff have given the film some visual flair, and NelsonRiddle has supplied some snappy and swinging musical arrangements, they're not enough to keep Can-Can flying. Which means it's all up to the cast. Frank Sinatra handles his songs well, but he's not half trying in the dialogue scenes. Shirley MacLaine gives it more effort, but the strain shows, and neither she nor Sinatra make the slightest attempt at being French -- a drawback in a film in which setting and atmosphere are so important. Louis Jourdan and Maurice Chevalier, of course, are Gallic to the core, but the former is a bore and the latter isn't given enough to do. Juliet Prowse, in a cut-down version of Verdon's character, is a joy, and the dances in general are very effective. All of which combines to make Can-Can a well-presented but fairly lacklustre musical, with a few high points -- but not enough to really make the grade.
Can-Can on AllMovie
Can-Can (1960)
