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Full Movie

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NY Times Review

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which has used noted vacation oasis as movie backgrounds before, now has discovered Sun Valley as a back-drop for "Duchess of Idaho," which arrived at the Capitol yesterday. The discovery is something less than monumental. For in this romantic comedy in which Esther Williams is abetted by handsome men, beautiful women and equally beautiful swimming pools and snowy slopes suitable for skiing, there is proof that a venerable formula has not been ignored. The principals, as well as their surroundings, never looked lovelier than they do in the panchromatic hues of Technicolor and the story is routine and often painfully obvious. The company, in effect, never left home.

Precisely what sort of verve and gaiety the scenarists had in mind is hard to determine from the proceedings. In this case, Miss Williams is cast, naturally enough, as a swimming star who seeks to help her roommate, a secretary to a playboy-financier, snare that elusive gent. However, early in the scheming, Miss Williams loses her heart to band leader Van Johnson. Neither Mr. Johnson nor John Lund, as the dame-chasing tycoon, can understand the plot hatched by the lovely mermaid and it is only after a lengthy series of misunderstandings and partings that the ladies catch the lads they really had their eyes on.

Of course, Miss Williams gets opportunities to display her aquatic talents in two opulent production numbers complete with fountains and a squadron of heroic natators. And, it must be noted, that she also handles her dialogue naturally. Paula Raymond, as her lovesick roommate, is a striking brunette who seems convincing as she moans, "I'm always engaged—never a bride—I must be using the wrong soap." Lena Home makes a brief appearance to sing "Baby, Come Out of the Clouds"; Eleanor Powell contributes a tap routine to a boogie-woogie number to prove her talent should be kept before the cameras, and Red Skelton adds an unbilled bit to complete the film's roster of guest stars.

Van Johnson is lackadaisical as the baffled baton-waver who also sings one of the picture's tunes; none of which, incidentally, could be termed distinguished. And, John Lund's portrayal of the predatory playboy can be listed as casual too. "Women," he says complaining about his involvement, "always have to have a plot." "Duchess of Idaho" also could use one.

Featured on the stage of the Capitol are Bert Wheeler, Sid Slate, Toni Arden, Stan Fisher, Lou Wills, Jr., Sherry Shadburne and Sonny Dunham and his orchestra.

At the Capitol DUCHESS OF IDAHO, written by Dorothy Cooper and Jerry Davis; directed by Robert Z. Leonard; produced by Joe Pasternak for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; songs by Al Rinker and Floyd Huddleston and Henry Nemo and Lee Pearl. Christine Riverton Duncan . . . . . Esther Williams Dick Layn . . . . . Van Johnson Douglas J. Morrissen Jr . . . . . John Lund Ellen Hallet . . . . . Paula Raymond Matson . . . . . Clinton Sundberg Peggy Elliot . . . . . Connie Haines Cyril . . . . . Mel Torme Linda Kinston . . . . . Amanda Blake Chuck . . . . . Tommy Farrell Monsieur Le Blanche . . . . . Sig Arno Alec I. Collins . . . . . Dick Simmons and Lena Horne, Eleanor Powell and Red Skelton.

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Time Magazine Review

The Duchess of Idaho (MGM) is an Esther Williams musical, i.e., a pretty body of water surrounded by clichés. It shows plenty of the human form, mostly Swimmer Williams', against the travel-folder backdrop of Sun Valley in Technicolor. The makeshift plot stops and goes at the convenience of the songs, dances and fancy splashing.

This time Esther flits flirtatiously between a Sun Valley bandleader (Van Johnson), whom she really loves, and a millionaire playboy (John Lund). Johnson is made to work overtime as a singer and dancer, and there are specialty numbers by Lena Horne, Eleanor Powell and Connie Haines, plus an unbilled appearance by Red Skelton. By the time the last monumentally tasteless water pageant has ebbed away, it is hard to tell Sun Valley from the same old rut.

Read more: The New Pictures, Jul. 31, 1950 - TIME

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This blog lists every MGM musical. Please click on a title for posters, film clips, trailers and...

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Trailer

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Following the credits in the Joe Pasternak musical, Esther Williams in her opening aqua-number, Paula Raymond as her roommate rushing off to work, opening MGM's Duchess Of Idaho, 1950.

Duchess Of Idaho -- (Movie Clip) Melody In Swimtime

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Second leads John Lund (as "Doug") and Paula Raymond (his secretary "Ellen") in the audience as Lena Horne is introduced, performing Baby Come Out Of The Clouds by Henry Nemo and Lee Pearl, in MGM's Duchess Of Idaho, 1950.

Duchess Of Idaho -- (Movie Clip) Baby, Come Out Of The Clouds

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"Of All Things"

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"Let's Choo Choo Choo to Idaho"

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Eleanor Powell dances.