Silk Stockings (VHS)

Cyd Charisse is 1 of the 1940's-50's jazz dancing divas; usually with Kelly or Astaire. Best known for her cool sensuality, Charisse has an interesting face, long, lean dancer's body & is any musical's delight.

In "Silk Stockings," Charisse takes on the role Greta Garbo made famous in 1939, Ninotchka Yoschenko: a stoic communist, Russian envoy from Moscow. Her assignment is following-up on 3 bumbling Kremlin emissaries: Brankov (Peter Lorre), Bibinski (Jules Munshin), Ivanov (Joseph Buloff). who have orders to return with Soviet composer, Boroff (Wim Sonneveld), since he's combining his (Russian-owned) musical skills with an American movie producer, Steve Canfield (Fred Astaire).

39yo. Charisse, while playing a terrific part, is no Garbo as Ninotchka--the maestra of deadpan comedy. Even so, producer Canfield is the guy who's pulling out all the romantic stops to warm the lovely comrade. The 59 yo. debonaire Astaire arouses Ninotchka's sense of attraction to the 'capitalist' Parisian lifestyle during the song, "Paris Loves Lovers."

During the title song, Charisse casts off her militaristic uniform & puts on a pair of silk stockings & lace. The stoicism & dedicated communism of Ninotchka transforms into erotic energy & sensually steamy, streamline dance movements. Lorre, Munshin & Buloff, in their respective characters, are also seduced by the pleasures of Paris.

Janis Paige plays an amusing, temperamental actress, who's considered
"America's Swimming Sweetheart," Peggy Dayton. She was producer Canfield's (Ataire) select star for whom he was composing a musical about Napoleon & Josephine--before Ninotchka captured his fancy.

Astaire croons "All of You" to Charisse with his capabaly expressive voice & mannerisms. The pair dances wonderfully well in a deserted studio to, "Fated to Be Mated." Astaire joins Janis Paige in Cole Porter's upbeat, "Stereophonic Sound." Astaire's signature solo to, "The Ritz Roll 'n' Rock," is once again his introduction to a trendy new dance. However, he wears a top hat & tails that was so typical of his representation of upper class society.

Director Mamoulian's "Silk Stockings" is funny, elegant, political & classy. A fine way for Fred Astaire to end his dance career in musicals; 9 years after he came out of 'retirement' to star in "Easter Parade" with Judy Garland, to replace Gene Kelly, who broke his ankle~