Duchess of Idaho

"You always have to have a plot. There's never an easy way of doing things." So says JOHN LUND in this typical ESTHER WILLIAMS movie based on the familiar mix-ups involved when nobody tells the truth.

The mix-ups begin when Esther offers to help secretary PAULR RAYMOND catch a rich playboy (Lund), suggesting a trip to romantic surroundings in Sun Valley, Idaho would help. Esther, in the meantime, is pursued by VAN JOHNSON, a bandleader at the resort, who soon melts her heart. In the interim, there are guest appearances by RED SKELTON (at a potato square-dance contest that is deftly done) and ELEANOR POWELL, who does a guest spot in the usual MGM manner of at first coyly refusing to dance when requested. Then she rips into an impromptu routine that had to be rehearsed for at least three weeks. So much for reality.

It's a strictly fun, escapist musical, which is all it pretends to be. ESTHER WILLIAMS and PAUL RAYMOND look gorgeous in their various Technicolor outfits and Esther gets to do a couple of swimming numbers in her usual charming manner. JOHN LUND and VAN JOHNSON do nicely in the romantic comedy department as the love interest for the gals.

If you like Esther, this one is for you.