Movie Review: Brigadoon (1954)

Since beginning my search for the perfect movie musical, I have come to expect that the storylines will be thin (and often completely absurd) but they will be executed in an entertaining way. Brigadoon seems to be that rare musical where just the opposite is true. I love this story. It's beautiful and thought-provoking. If only it had been told in an entertaining way.

Brigadoon is the story of two New York businessmen (played by Gene Kelly and Van Johnson) who get lost in the Scottish highlands while on a hunting trip. They happen apon a small town called Brigadoon where the people are . . . weird. They meet a lovely lass (Cyd Charisse) who explains the mystery behind the town. [Spoiler alert!] Two hundred years earlier, the local priest asked God to protect the town from evil witches. The town was put to sleep and every one hundred years everyone awakens for one day. There's more to the story, but that's the jist.

The film looks like an extended watercolor--very lovely. I loved Van Johnson's character and the scenes in New York were jolting (in a good way). I was also pleased to discover that Cyd Charisse can sing. (Up until now I'd only known her as the sexy smoker in "Singin' in the Rain.") But, oh those musical numbers! With the exception of the forthcoming clip, the musical numbers are all the same. Slow Scottish dancing. Fast Scottish dancing. Long Scottish song. Longer Scottish song.

Fast forward scene: To be honest, I fast forwarded the last half of every single musical number but two: Kelly's "Almost Like Being in Love" and "Heather on the Hill."

Grade: C+

Rewind that! Moment: Sorry this clip is so long. I think this is what love looks like.