Jane Powell Movies
Possessed of an extraordinarily wide-ranging operatic singing voice, Jane Powell was a radio performer from childhood. She took dancing and acting lessons, then made her film debut at 15 in Song of the Open Road (1944), a deliberate effort to recapture the charm of Deanna Durbin musicals of the 1930s. Signed by MGM in 1945, Powell was cast as the ingénue in several of the studio's top musicals: She introduced the song "It's a Most Unusual Day" in A Date With Judy (1948), and played Fred Astaire's sister/dancing partner in Royal Wedding (1950). After peaking with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), Powell's film career leveled off, ending altogether with a misfire attempt at a dramatic role (complete with dark hair and "native" skin coloring) in Enchanted Island (1958). She kept busy thereafter with plenty of TV performances, concerts, summer stock, and even Broadway, replacing former MGM colleague Debbie Reynolds in the 1970s revival of Irene. Somewhat at odds with her girl-next-door image, Jane Powell was married five times: Her fifth husband was former juvenile star Dickie Moore, with whom she'd fallen in love while he was interviewing her for his book on child actors. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In this lightweight musical comedy, Judy Foster (Jane Powell) and Carol Pringle (Elizabeth Taylor) are teenagers and best friends who find their loyalties tested when they both fall for the same good-looking older man, Stephen Andrews (Robert Stack). This situation is particularly troublesome for Judy, who already has a boyfriend, "Oogie" Pringle (Scotty Beckett), Carol's brother. Meanwhile, the girls join forces for a little sleuthing when Judy discovers that her father, Melvin Foster (Wallace Beery), has been spending time with Brazilian bombshell Rosita Conchellas (Carmen Miranda). Judy and Carol suspect hanky-panky, but actually Melvin is taking dancing lessons from Rosita as a surprise for his wife. A Date With Judy certainly offers your only opportunity to see Wallace Berry dance the mambo, and it also features a guest appearance by Xavier Cugat and his band. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leon Ames, Wallace Beery, (more)
- 1954
Health faddist Mulvain (Louis Calhern) and his astrology-minded wife Salome (Norma Varden) hold court over their seven musical-prodigy daughters. Each girl is named after a mythical Greek: Athena (Jane Powell), Minerva (Debbie Reynolds), Niobe (Virginia Gibson), Aphrodite (Nancy Kligas), Medea (Jane Fischer), Calliope (Dolores Starr) and Ceres (Cecile Rogers). They also run around dressed in skimpy miniskirts, for those of you not interested in mythology. Athena falls in love with lawyer Adam Shaw (Edmund Purdom) and Minerva is ga-ga over crooner Johnny Nyle (Vic Damone), neither of whom come up to Mulvain's notions of mental and physical perfection. A lesser product from the Joe Pasternak musical mill, Athena is unremarkable save for an early appearance by future Hercules star Steve Reeves and a nicely bitchy performance by the usually resistable Linda Christian. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, (more)
Deep in My Heart is the MGM-ified biography of composer Sigmund Romberg, here played by José Ferrer. Evidently the scripters didn't feel that the life of Romberg (as set down by author Elliott Arnold, whose book was used as the film's basis) had enough drama to fill out two hours and ten minutes. As a result, the film is overstocked with guest stars, performing such Romberg standards as "One Alone," "Lover Come Back to Me," "When I Grow Too Old to Dream," "Will You Remember," and "Stout-Hearted Men." Among these celebrities are Ann Miller, Vic Damone, Jane Powell, Tony Martin, Cyd Charisse, Rosemary Clooney, and Gene Kelly, the latter performing a dance duet with his seldom-seen brother, Fred. For all the heady competition, it is José Ferrer who renders the most memorable production number: a one-man presentation of the Romberg musical comedy Jazzboat, in which Ferrer assumes all the roles, from star Al Jolson's to the entire female chorus! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- José Ferrer, Helen Traubel, (more)
In her second starring film, teenaged singing sensation Jane Powell plays Cheryl Williams, a 15-year-old music student who is led to believe that her older sister Josephine (Constance Moore) is a big Broadway star. In truth, Josephine is a stripper in a tawdry burleycue house, but fortunately Cheryl (apparently) never reads any out-of-town newspapers and thus is in a state of blissful ignorance. The fun begins when Cheryl arrives in New York, figures out the truth, and tries to marry Josephine off to big-time Broadway producer Arthur Hale (Ralph Bellamy). As a result, both Josephine and Cheryl are starring in Hale's latest production. Yes, it's a Deanna Durbin picture without Deanna, right down to newly arranged versions of old operetta favorites. Delightfully Dangerous is currently available from several video companies thanks to its "public domain" status. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jane Powell, Ralph Bellamy, (more)
- 1958
Enchanted Island bears only the faintest traces of its source material, the Herman Melville novel, Typee. 19th century-whalers Abner Dana Andrews and Tom Don Dubbins jump ship, finding refuge on a tropical island inhabited by cannibals. When Tom disappears, Abner jumps to the logical conclusion and vows not to end up in the pot himself. Returning to his ship, Abner is drawn back to the island by Fayaway (a miscast Jane Powell), the tribal chief's daughter, with whom he has fallen in love. The film's "official" synopsis suggests that the story is unresolved at the end; in fact, the film comes to a satisfying if not altogether believable conclusion. Produced in Mexico by Benedict Bogeaus, Enchanted Island was to have been released by RKO Radio, but the collapse of that studio forced Bogeaus to distribute the film through Warner Bros. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dana Andrews, Jane Powell, (more)
- 1989
Maggie's parents Ed (Gordon Jump) and Kate (Betty McGuire) conspire with the Seaver kids to arrange a surprise 20th anniversary part for Jason (Alan Thicke) and Maggie (Joanne Kerns). Alas, the festivities quickly degenerate into a shoutfest involving Maggie's mom and dad, Jason's mom Irma Jane Powell), and the rest of the guests--culminating in one of TV's sloppiest food fights. Even so, the party proves to be a boost for the blossoming relationship between Mike (Kirk Cameron) and Julie (Julie McCullough). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Having never warmed up to his mom Irma's second husband Wally (Robert Rockwell), Jason (Alan Thicke) has trouble concealing his glee when Irma (Jane Powell) announces that her marriage has broken up. Eventually, however, Jason is obliged to use his prowess as a psychiatrist to bring the warring couple back together. Featured in the cast is Irma's show-biz idol Jerry Vale, playing (who else?) himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Jane Powell makes her first series appearance as Jason's lively widowed mom Irma. Returning from a vacation cruise, Irma surprises one and all by bringing along her new boyfriend Wally (Robert Rockwell), whom she plans to marry. Despite Irma's assurances that this situation is no different than the one encountered by "Ethel Merman and Gene Rayburn" on The Love Boat, Jason (Alan Thicke) is outraged that his mom would even think of remarrying only a year after his father's death. Meanwhile, Mike (Kirk Cameron) has a fascinating experience as a first-time tutor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
In this pivotal episode, both Mike (Kirk Cameron) and Julie (Julie McCullough) suffer pre-marital jitters--to say nothing of a mutual case of cold feet--on the eve of their wedding. In hopes of resolving his doubts, Mike seeks advice from literally everyone, including (via telephone) his former high school teacher Coach Lubbock (played by Bill Kirchenbauer, then currently portraying Lubbock on the Growing Pains spinoff Just the Ten of Us). The ending of this episode is both startling and bewildering: suffice to say that this marks the final regular appearance of Julie McCullough. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Jason's mom Irma (Jane Powell) and her new hubby Wally (Robert Rockwell) hope to play matchmaker for their granddaughter Carol (Tracey Gold) and their gormless investment counselor Ken Singleton (Darren Powell). To foil this scheme, Carol decides to show up at Irma's party with a phony boyfriend. The man selected for this dubious "honor" is none other than Carol's coworker Big Al (Beans Morocco). (Note: The first telecast of this episode was not listed in TV Guide, due to the possibility of an extra World Series game). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
In the first episode of a two-part story, Jason's mom Irma (Jane Powell) invites the family to join her on a luxury cruise. Normally, Jason (Alan Thicke) would be delighted, but on this occasion he's steamed: Irma plans to cap the cruise by wedding her current boyfriend Wally (Robert Rockwell). Elsewhere, the presence of 20 gorgous female Swedish athletes on board ship proves to be sheer bliss for Ben (Jeremy Miller)--but a major roadblock in the relationship between Mike (Kirk Cameron) and Julie (Julie McCullough). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
In the conclusion of a two-part story, the Seavers are still on board a luxury cruise ship, where Jason (Alan Thicke) has managed to sabotage the planned wedding of his widowed mom Irma (Jane Powell) and her current boyfriend Wally (Robert Rockwell). But after realizing how much he has hurt his mother, Jason desperately tries to reunite the couple. Meanwhile, the off-and-on relationship between Mike (Kirk Cameron) and Julie (Julie McCullough) crystallizes in spectacular fashion. This is the final episode of Growing Pains' fourth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
While their termite-infested house is being fumigated, the Seavers seek out another place to spend the weekend. Unfortunately, Jason (Alan Thicke) misplaces his wallet and is unable to rent a motel room--and even more unfortunately, his mom Irma (Jane Powell) is unable to put the family up due to a meeting of the Jerry Vale Fan Club (guess who shows up as "himself"). Ultimately, the family takes up temporary residence in the tiny apartment of their son Mike (Kirk Cameron)...an experience that will remain etched in their psyches for all time! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Hit the Deck is the second film version of the same-named 1927 hit Broadway musical. Though updated for the 1950s, the basic plot remains the same. Sailors Tony Martin, Vic Damone and Russ Tamblyn spend their entire shore leave in pursuit of three beautiful gals. Martin is "that way" about Ann Miller, Damone is stuck on Jane Powell, and Russ Tamblyn only has eyes for Debbie Reynolds. Some fun is extracted from the fact that Tamblyn is the son of by-the-book admiral Walter Pidgeon. Additional comedy relief is provided by Alan King (the same!) and Henry Slate as a pair of dumb-dumb shore patrolmen. The Vincent Youmans-Leo Robin-Clifford Grey-Irving Caesar score includes such standards as "Sometimes I'm Happy", "I Know that You Know", and the showstopping "Hallelujah". The 1930 version of Hit the Deck, starring Jack Oakie, was filmed by RKO; that version was purchased by MGM and hasn't been seen publicly in nearly 70 years. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jane Powell, Tony Martin, (more)
- 1946
Too long by at least two reels, Holiday in Mexico is nevertheless one of the more enjoyable MGM Technicolor musicals of the 1940s. Walter Pigeon is top billed as Jeffrey Evans, American ambassador to Mexico. Captivated by the charms of her adopted homeland, Evans' impulsive daughter Christine falls in love with the decidedly mature piano virtuoso Jose Iturbi (cast as himself). Amused by Christine's ardor, Iturbi agrees with Evans that the girl would be far better off with someone closer to her own age-namely, British ambassador's son Stanley Owen (Roddy McDowell). Meanwhile, Christine plays matchmaker between her widowed father and glamorous Hungarian Toni Karpathy (Ilona Massey). Holiday in Mexico was Jane Powell's first MGM effort, and it is clear that producer Joe Pasternak intended to transform the teenaged soprano into the "new Deanna Durbin", though of course Powell eventually developed her own distinctive style. In addition to the musical contributions of stars Powell and Iturbi, the film costars the inimitable Xavier Cugat, doing his Xavier Cugat thing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Linda Christian, Ann Codee, (more)
- 1948
MGM whipped up another musical salad with Luxury Liner, featuring a glittering lineup of contractees including Jane Powell, Lauritz Melchior and Xavier Cugat. George Brent plays the skipper of a "love boat"-type cruise ship, while Ms. Powell plays his daughter. She entertains the passengers at every opportunity with a string of forgettable songs, and finds love herself in the form of Thomas E. Breen(you remember him). The highlight of the film features Jane Powell in male drag, singing "Spring Came to Vienna" to an uncomfortable-looking ingenue (Shirley Johns). Luxury Liner is the sort of lavish trifle that could only have come out of the Hollywood Studio System. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Brent, Jane Powell, (more)
- 1985
- PG13
Based on a true story, this drama stars Sissy Spacek as Marie Ragghianti, a Tennessee housewife stuck in a bad marriage with an abusive husband and caring for a child with long-term health problems. Determined to turn her life around, Marie leaves her husband and goes back to school. Against long odds, she completes her college degree and is able to land a job with the Tennessee State Government. Thanks to hard work and being in the right place at the right time, Marie moves up the ladder to become the head of the Tennessee Parole Board. However, the more authority Marie gains, the more corruption she sees, reaching to the highest offices in the state -- Eddie Sisk (Jeff Daniels), special assistant to the governor, has worked out a system by which he can collect bribes on behalf of the governor in exchange for political favors, without the governor himself being directly implicated. An angry Marie decides that it's time she did something about the graft and dirty dealing in the parole department, but she soon discovers that the governor has many powerful friends who can easily discredit her in the press. The supporting cast includes Morgan Freeman and Trey Wilson. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sissy Spacek, Jeff Daniels, (more)
- 1976
Mayday at 40,000 Feet is a regulation crisis-in-the-air TV movie distinguished by the accomplished direction of Robert (Hill Street Blues) Butler. David Janssen pilots a 747 chock full of guest stars, battling a snowstorm in order to find his way back to the airport. The plane develops engine trouble, threatening to dump its celebrity cargo in the icy drink. Adding to Janssen's growing list of problems is a maniac who goes on a shooting rampage in the first-class section. It's doubtful that anyone on November 12, 1976 stayed tuned to Mayday at 40,000 Feet upon discovering that its competition on another network was the John Travolta vehicle The Boy in the Plastic Bubble. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
A terminally ill nun apparently commits suicide--which of course is a mortal sin in the eyes of the Catholic church. In order to prove that the nun did not die by her own hand, the dead woman's Mother Superior (Jane Powell) prevails upon her old friend Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) to follow the trail of clues--one of which reveals some disturbingly sordid details. This episode is distinguished a particularly stellar cast of veteran actors, including Audrey Totter in her last role before retirement. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1950
Ann Sothern closed out her MGM contract with the Technicolor musical Nancy Goes to Rio. As Frances Elliot, Sothern is billed second to Jane Powell, who plays Nancy Barklay. A popular Broadway star, Frances heads to Rio for R&R before starting her next production. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Frances, her daughter Nancy is hired to appear in her mother's starring vehicle. This would seem to be enough to sustain a plot, but the screenwriters contrive to have Frances mistakenly believe that Nancy is about to become an out-of-wedlock mother. In addition, both ladies vie for the romantic attentions of leading man Paul Berten (Barry Sullivan). Also appearing is Carmen Miranda, just to remind us that the film takes place in Brazil. Producer Joe Pasternak handles the material with the same tastefulness that he'd applied to his Deanna Durbin pictures at Universal: in fact, Nancy Goes to Rio is a remake of Durbin's 1940 vehicle It's a Date. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jane Powell, Ann Sothern, (more)
This made-for-TV miniseries recounts the muddled criminal investigation of the JonBenet Ramsey murder -- one of the most luridly publicized crimes in recent memory. As the crime unfolds, the Boulder police squad grow increasingly swamped by the elusive details of the crime and the unprecedented media attention. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kris Kristofferson, Marg Helgenberger, (more)
- 1951
Rich, Young and Pretty succinctly describes Jane Powell, the heroine of this frothy MGM musical. Vacationing in Paris with her father, Jim Stauton Rogers (Wendell Corey) -- a cattle baron-turned-politician, Elizabeth Rogers (Powell) falls in love with handsome Andre Milan (Vic Damone, in his film debut). She also learns to her surprise that her Gallic mother, Marie (Danielle Darrieux), is not dead as she's been led to believe, but very much alive and very much involved with suave South American Paul Sarnac (Fernando Lamas). The plot is merely there to provide breathing space for the film's ten -- count 'em, ten -- musical numbers. If Rich, Young and Pretty resembles a Deanna Durbin picture at times, it may because it was produced by Durbin's discoverer, Joseph Pasternak. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jane Powell, Danielle Darrieux, (more)
Two real-life events were incorporated into the plot of the 1951 MGM musical Royal Wedding. One, the marriage of Fred Astaire's sister Adele to a British nobleman had occurred years earlier; the other, the wedding of England's Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip was only four years in the past. MGM would probably have gotten Royal Wedding out closer to the Elizabeth-Philip nuptials, but the picture had leading-lady problems; every girl who was cast either became pregnant, ill, or otherwise unavailable. Finally, Jane Powell was cast as the sister and partner of American-entertainer Fred Astaire. The plot has Astaire and Powell heading to Merrie Olde England to perform at the palace. Once they've arrived, Powell breaks up the act when she falls in love with blueblooded Peter Lawford. Astaire himself finds romance in the form of Sarah Churchill (daughter of Sir Winston), and the four happy campers gleefully attend the titular Windsor Castle wedding. Also in the cast is Albert Sharpe, fresh from his Broadway triumph in Finian's Rainbow, and Keenan Wynn, hilarious as twin cousins. The plot is so light that it threatens to float away at times, but Royal Wedding sticks in the memory thanks to its first-rate musical numbers. The Astaire/Powell duets are entertaining enough; the real magic, however, occurs in Astaire's two solos: the hat-rack duet and the now-legendary tap-dance on the ceiling (even knowing how this cinematic legerdemain was accomplished does not detract from its brilliance and virtuosity). Because it has slipped into public domain, Royal Wedding is one of the most easily accessible of all the Fred Astaire musicals. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, (more)
