Higher and Higher is far from a classic movie musical, and it would justifiably be forgotten as just a minor effort were it not that it represented the first time that Frank Sinatra appeared onscreen in what could be called a substantial role. Cast as himself, Sinatra still has what amounts to a supporting role, and his relationship to the actual plot is minor; essentially, he comes on to sing 5 songs and is given some lightweight dramatic chores to handle. Sinatra eventually became a huge screen star, but he's very much in a nascent stage here. He's not entirely comfortable on camera, and the legendary ease he would later develop is missing here. Even so, he makes a definite impression, especially when given the chance to let out with a song. Then the film suddenly takes on a little bit of magic. When Sinatra's not around, Higher concerns itself with a trifling, ridiculous plot that stretches credulity and is far too contrived. The score is pleasant-to-good, but not in the same league as the score the Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart created for the original stage production -- of which only one of the lesser songs was kept for the film. Jack Haley does well with one of his few leading man roles, and Michele Morgan is a welcome presence, but it's the supporting players -- Victor Borge, Mel Torme, Mary Wickes, Barbara Hale -- that give Higher its zing. The supporting players and Sinatra, of course.