The Duchess of Idaho (1950)
- Starring:
- Esther Williams, Van Johnson, (more)
- Director(s):
- Robert Z. Leonard
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This formula Esther Williams musical casts the star as Midwestern carnival swimmer Christine Duncan, in love with bandleader Dick Layn (Van Johnson). Attempting to smooth the course of romance for her friend Ellen Hallet (Paula Raymond), Christine makes a play for Ellen's wealthy boss Douglas J. Morrissen, Jr. (John Lund). Ellen wants to protect Douglas from fortune hunters, so Christine pretends to be a fortune hunter, so that he'll appreciate anew how much Ellen cares for him. Confused? So is Dick, who can't fathom Christine's bizarre behavior. If for nothing else, Duchess of Idaho is memorable as the "comeback" picture for dancing star Eleanor Powell, who has just as little to do as her fellow guest stars Lena Horne and (unbilled) Red Skelton. Watch for Amanda Gunsmoke Blake and Dick Sergeant Preston Simmons in supporting roles. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- Esther Williams - Christine Riverton Duncan
- John Lund - Douglas J. Morrissen, Jr.
- Clinton Sundberg - Matson
- Mel Tormé - Cyril
- Tommy Farrell - Chuck
- Mae Clarke - Betty, the flower girl
- J. Louis Johnson - Pullman Porter
- Roger Moore - Escort
- Suzanne Ridgway - Cleo
- John Trebach - Waiter
- Harold Miller - Men at Table
- Red Skelton - Guest Star
- Larry Steers
- Van Johnson - Dick Layn
- Paula Raymond - Ellen Hallet
- Connie Haines - Peggy Elliott
- Amanda Blake - Linda Kinston
- Sig Arno - Mons. Le Blanche
- Lena Horne - Guest Star
- Bunny Waters - Marsha
- Dick Simmons - Alec J. Collins
- Allan Ray - Elevator Man
- The Jubalaires - Themselves
- Eleanor Powell - Specialty
- Charles Smith - Johnny
- Director(s):
- Robert Z. Leonard
- Writer(s):
- Jerry Davis, Dorothy Cooper
- Producer(s):
- Joe Pasternak
- Closed Captioning:
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- Subtitles:
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