Happy Landing (VHS, 1994)

Sonja Henie was a much better ice skater than actress in this film which just goes to show that even though she may have been popular back in 1938, her acting ability and the plot just don't hold up. I'm sure Americans enjoyed a certain number of these imported actors/talents from overseas but from what I've read in the fan magazines at the time, they were questioning why the studios didn't use more "home-grown" actors. As with most musicals, this film is enjoyable mostly for its musical and dance sequences with Sonja's great skating but not with the plot which is rather lengthy and drawn out between musical numbers. With Ethel Merman's Broadway background and Don Ameche's excellent acting, they help give support to the film. At the end is a musical number not too unlike what Eleanor Powell was doing over at M.G.M but Metro and Powell were a much better performance. Some movies from this era hold up over time very well. Unfortunately this one does not.