L'uomo meraviglia

DANNY KAYE was still on a winning streak when he made WONDER MAN for Samuel Goldwyn, a lavish technicolor treat that his him at his dazzling best as a performer--totally convincing in a dual role that expands his range. First, he's the brass nightclub comic/singer and secondly, he's the mild bookworm with the photographic memory. He does both roles with such effortless aplomb that he's a pleasure to watch.

Early in the show, we get to see how Sylvia Fine's lyrics for a song like "Balinese-Boogee" can come up with such inventive rhymes as: "she's the Balinese equivalent of Olivia de Havillent". And the trick photography is nothing short of amazing. All of the effects are worthy of the Oscar they won.

His partner is the delectable VIRGINIA MAYO, looking as luscious as usual in her technicolor close-ups and VERA-ELLEN delivering a couple of dance routines that showcase her own special talent.

There's an amusing turn by Natalie Schaefer as a matron in the library, and S.Z. Sakall does his usual schtick as a delicatessen owner. But it's Danny's show all the way--and his romp through an operatic number where he's telling the D.A. who the culprit is, is hilariously witty and full of what appear to be impromptu sight gags in the Kaye style.

Summing up: Ranks with the best of the Danny Kaye films.