On the Town (1949)

Editor's Note Co-directors Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen (SINGIN' IN THE RAIN) also choreographed this musical classic following three sailors docked in New York City for 24 hours. New to town and ready to see the sights--and the girls--Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin search for adventure in the Big Apple. Wooing the ladies with their singing and dancing and being charmed in return, the trio finds various degrees of romantic success. But as all good things must come to an end, the navy men return to their ship, leaving behind them a city briefly brighter and taking with them a heartful of memories. Dancing by the marvelous and masculine Kelly and singing by heartthrob Sinatra (looking very young!) add punch and pizzazz to the musical numbers, including the famous "New York, New York" scene. ON THE TOWN was one of the first movies filmed on location in New York--a wild extravagance in those days--and the extra effort taken shows in every shot of the film.

	Betty Garrett
	Alice Pearce
	Jules Munshin
	Gene Kelly
	Frank Sinatra
	Vera Ellen
	Ann Miller
	Florence Bates
	Betty Comden - Screenwriter
	Jack Martin Smith - Art Director
	Ralph E. Winters - Editor
	Cedric Gibbons - Production Designer
	Stanley Donen - Choreographer
	Adolph Green - Screenwriter
	Arthur Freed - Producer
	Leonard Bernstein - Composer
	Conrad Salinger - Composer
	Roger Edens - Composer
	Harold Rosson - Director of Photography
	Saul Chaplin - Composer
	Stanley Donen - Director
	Gene Kelly - Director

Eager to experience it all, three sailors are determined to find love and adventure during their 24-hour leave in New York City. Carrying with them good hearts, great voices, and delightful dance steps, the navy men encounter and charm lovely ladies and colorful characters. ON THE TOWN is a classic musical that perfectly balances song with story, love with camaraderie while showing off the remarkable dancing of Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra's unforgettable voice. USA Today
"...An energetic romp..." 10/19/1994 p.10D

Total Film
"[T]here are some great film-fan jokes." 02/01/2004 p.120