Anchors Aweigh (1945) Review- By Michael J. Carlisle

Title: Anchors Aweigh
Year: 1945
Director: George Sidney
Country: US
Language: English

The first of three collaborations of Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly, Anchors Aweigh would prove to be memorable in more than one way. It was the first time audiences would see Old Blue Eyes, as this is the first Sinatra vehicle in colour. It was Gene Kelly's first opportunity to take full flight as a creative force. It features rare Technicolor footage from MGM studios and the Hollywood Bowl in 1945, and it has one of the most incredible scenes to ever be shown from any musical during the golden age of the Hollywood musical. 

Two sailors, one naive, the other experienced in the ways of the world, on liberty in Los Angeles, is the setting for this movie musical. 

Even audiences who have never seen an old Hollywood picture know of the iconic Jerry & Gene Kelly dance. The scene blended live action and animation almost perfectly and, at the time, was a landmark in film. For many years it was hailed as a special effects marvel (up yours Disney!). Although the short spectacle did cost the studio an extra $100,00 the film did make the money back pretty easily. 

Up until this point in his movie career, Sinatra was a pop singing sensation often brought onto a film project to do a single scene. Kelly was the bigger movie star, but Sinatra's music fame had the potential to bring in much more money so he was given top billing. The two male leads have great chemistry together; they are charismatic enough to charm their audience through most of the picture. Unfortunately the 2.5hr run-time is a bit long, and the plot tends to drag because of that. If a few numbers and scenes were cut, the picture might have a better chance at capturing the attention of modern audiences.

As usual, Gene Kelly's choreography is top-notch, only rivaled at the time by the films of Fred Estaire. Though no particular song stands out, overall they add to the atmosphere and delightful tone throughout the picture. Anchors Aweigh may be long and somewhat dated, but it sure is an entertaining classic.