ROYAL WEDDING

Cinemavixion Review

Stanley Donen's "Royal Wedding" (1951) is a delightful confection that perfectly captures the effervescence of classic Hollywood musicals. Starring the inimitable Fred Astaire and the vibrant Jane Powell as a brother-sister dance act, the film masterfully intertwines romance and spectacle against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth II's impending nuptials. Astaire, in a performance that famously includes his gravity-defying dance on walls and ceiling, showcases his unparalleled grace and charm. Powell complements him beautifully, offering both comedic timing and a stunning coloratura soprano voice. The plot, while simple, provides ample opportunity for inventive musical numbers and charming romantic subplots, including Powell's dalliance with Peter Lawford's Lord John Brindale and Astaire's with Sarah Churchill's Anne Ashmond. Despite its relatively modest critical reception at the time, "Royal Wedding" has endured as a beloved entry in the musical canon, a testament to its enduring wit, dazzling choreography, and the star power of its leads. It's a joyous celebration of love and dance that remains as captivating today as it was over seventy years ago.