Three sailors (Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin) arrive in New York and have a day of shore leave. Oddly, they spend the beginning of the movie running wildly about town seeing all the popular sites. Maybe I'm crazy, but I don't think THAT would be the agenda for most sailors! Later, in an odd twist, they meet up with three girls--and mostly (especially in the case of Betty Garrett) they do the pursuing! And what do these frisky sailors want to do now that they've got dates--yes, hang out in night clubs!

"On the Town" is a highly regarded musical. Because of this, I feel a bit odd because I was not particularly impressed by it. The film started very well with the "New York, New York" sequence and maintained its momentum for some time, but after a while it started to drag and the quality of the musical numbers seemed to flag as well. To me, the low-light was Gene Kelly's LONG dance routine--it just seemed interminably long. The over film wasn't terrible...it just wasn't very good later in the film. Uneven but worth seeing.

By the way, nearly every MGM film from the golden era includes several shorts (including a cartoon) to make it feel like an afternoon at the movies in the old days. Well, oddly, "On the Town" did NOT include this--for shame Turner Entertainment, we want these shorts!!

After finally seeing this film, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this film. There are faults though, one is the substitution of dancers for Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin in the ballet, while it worked in Oklahoma, I for one found it distracting here. The other fault I had was the omission of "Some Other Time", that is a truly beautiful song and could've worked so well, but alas it was missed out.

Other than that, there is still much to enjoy, namely the magnificent title number, "New York, New York", as Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin hail the delights of New York, New York. Also a delight was "Prehistoric Man", mostly because of the dancing of Ann Miller. While songs from the original score are missed out, regrettably, the score and songs here are still a treat, and the choreography is fabulous.

The performances are terrific. Gene Kelly is wonderful once again as Gabey, and Jules Munshin puts real energy into his role of Ozzie. While Frank Sinatra is exceedingly charming as Chip, possibly even the best of the three male performers. As for the ladies, Vera Ellen looks alluring and dances a dream, while Betty Garett is deliciously sassy as Brunhilde. With her impeccable dancing talents, it is Ann Miller who I would deem as my personal favourite, as I have said already her dancing in "Prehistoric Man" is simply incredible.

Other advantages are a witty script, a delightful supporting turn from Alice Pearce as Lucy Schmeeler, fast pacing and some lovely costumes and sets. Plus I loved the depiction of New York and the film's feel good nature. Overall, flawed but nonetheless exhilarating musical. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra fall in love with local girls while on a brief shore leave in On the Town. What's that? You've seen that movie already? Yes, I know, it sounds awfully similar to Anchors Aweigh, but this one is slightly different. For one, in addition to Gene and Frankie, On the Town features Jules Munshin as a third sailor on leave, the same actor who joined the pair in Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Also, Kathryn Grayson, the love interest in Anchors Aweigh, is replaced by Vera-Ellen, Ann Miller, and Betty Garrett. And finally, Gene Kelly doesn't dance with a mouse in this one.

Instead of the famous "Gene and Jerry" dance sequence, On the Town features the well-known title song "New York, New York", "Prehistoric Man", and "You're Awful". While there are some memorable moments from the movie, it's not one I choose to watch over and over again—even though Gene and Frankie look adorable in their uniforms. The troubles are Ann Miller and Betty Garrett. Ann Miller was a famous dancer, and I'm not going to dis her talent, but I really didn't like her. I didn't like her style, her expressions, or her attitude. Betty Garrett is unappealing, obnoxious, and reminds me of Celeste Holm's more annoying sister.

I do love Vera-Ellen, though, so at least one of the three love interests doesn't make my skin crawl. If you love Gene Kelly, or young Frank Sinatra, you'll probably want to see On the Town and Anchors Aweigh, since a few famous songs came out of them.