Schmaltzy and at times silly it may be, but The Great Waltz is still fine entertainment. The culprit, as is so often the case, especially with biopics, is the screenplay. The life of Strauss it envisions is fanciful, created really only so that there would be an excuse for showing off the composer's gorgeous, swirling music. Thus, Waltz tends to mark time in between numbers, which would be a serious liability were it not for the engaging performances of its trio of stars. As Strauss, Fernand Gravet turns in a good, solid performance and demonstrates a very decent singing voice. Luise Rainer uses her considerable dramatic talent to good effect in a part that could have easily been walked through, and Milza Korjus portrays Rainer's rival with flair and a wonderful vocal prowess. There's also fine comedic support from Hugh Herbert and the other players in general are a plus. Julien Duvivier directs with the intention of giving the eye its money's worth, and he takes full advantage of the gorgeous sets and costumes, as well as of Joseph Ruttenberg's lively yet dreamy camerawork. It's all as corny as can be, but it's hard to resist.