(1943)3Craig ButlerFor the first 20 or so years of its existence, "musical film" was pretty much synonymous with "lighthearted fluff." Du Barry Was a Lady fits that description exactly. Based somewhat loosely on a hit Cole Porter play, Du Barry is so light, a good breeze would blow it away, but it's a lot of fun. The plot is simply an excuse for the stars to do a number of routines, and as long as there are stars such as Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, and Gene Kelly, that's just fine. All three have a wonderful rapport, whether as a trio or in various duos, playing off of each other with skill and vigor. This is one of Ball's best film roles, exploiting her comic talent to a much greater extent than usual, and she looks beautiful. Skelton matches her in comedic technique, with his trademark befuddlement working to good effect, and Kelly is bursting with energy. The film isn't the type that allows for innovation, but it demonstrates that Kelly didn't need innovation -- he could be just as enthralling using typical musical comedy choreography. Although not an A-level musical, the costumes are witty and amusing, and the entire film has a silliness that's quite infectious.
