Where's Charley?

Ray Bolger had a huge Broadway hit with "Where's Charley?" that ran from October 1948 to September 1950. Bolger even starred in a brief 1951 revival. This 1952 film version also boasts original cast members Allyn Ann McLerie as Amy and Horace Cooper as old Spettigue.

Despite a rough start in the opening Oxford scenes, the film kicks into gear when Bolger hideously yet hilariously masquerades as his aunt (whom he has never met) to maintain the social propriety that requires the presence of a chaperone among the mixed-sex young set gathered at an Oxford reunion.

The wealthy "aunt" then becomes the romantic target of two "old boys" back for their reunion. But all hell breaks loose when the real aunt shows up and pretends to be an old friend of the aunt's dead husband. Amid all these plot contrivances are peppered several musical numbers.

Bolger wonderfully recreates "Once in Love with Amy," a number that brought down the house on a nightly basis. The "aunt" is the perfect vehicle for his eccentric dancing style that seems even more bizarre while he's in drag. A major surprise is the excellent performance by Allyn Ann McLerie as Amy. Mostly remembered now for her crotchety character performances on TV, here she sings and dances up a storm in the Brazilian dream sequence. She's quite wonderful.

Cast also includes Mary Germaine and Robert Shackleton as Kitty and Jack, Margaretta Scott as the real aunt, and Howard Marion-Crawford as old Chesney.

Film closes with a massive production number, "At the Red Rose Cotillion," and a reprise of the opening number.

Still awaiting a DVD release. If you get a chance, watch this one for Ray Bolger and Allyn Ann McLerie.