There's something about this musical biography of Vesta Tilley (my intro to her) that reminds me of the slew of period "biography" musicals of the mid 40's, occasionally done into the early 50's, and pretty old fashioned, especially when compared to the big movie musicals of hit Broadway shows. With musicals somewhat on the wane in the late 50's, this seems doubly out of date, even though it is easy going, light hearted entertainment, with a pretty leading lady (Pat Kirkwood) and a slew of music hall numbers I've never heard of, all presented in gorgeous color loaded with pastels.
The basic story surround the rise to fame of Tilley, both in London and New York, and her romance with upperclass gentleman Laurence Harvey which resulted in marriage and her leaving the business. The title song, a huge standard, is a surprise for people unaware that it was not written for "Show Boat". Kirkwood, whose act mainly consisted of her performing in men's clothes, has a speaking reminiscent of Julie Andrews, so hearing her speaking brings on visions of Julie in "Victor/Victoria". Nothing groundbreaking about this film, but Kirkwood's charm makes it refreshing with Harvey not really getting anything outstanding to do but looking very handsome.
The basic story surround the rise to fame of Tilley, both in London and New York, and her romance with upperclass gentleman Laurence Harvey which resulted in marriage and her leaving the business. The title song, a huge standard, is a surprise for people unaware that it was not written for "Show Boat". Kirkwood, whose act mainly consisted of her performing in men's clothes, has a speaking reminiscent of Julie Andrews, so hearing her speaking brings on visions of Julie in "Victor/Victoria". Nothing groundbreaking about this film, but Kirkwood's charm makes it refreshing with Harvey not really getting anything outstanding to do but looking very handsome.