On the Riviera (1951)

69% of users liked it
(278 ratings)

On the Riviera is a remake of 1941's Weekend in Havana, which in turn was a remake of 1934's Folies Bergere. The plot remains the same in all three incarnations: for business purposes, a nightclub entertainer is coerced into posing as his look-alike, a powerful financier/aviator. This time it's… More On the Riviera is a remake of 1941's Weekend in Havana, which in turn was a remake of 1934's Folies Bergere. The plot remains the same in all three incarnations: for business purposes, a nightclub entertainer is coerced into posing as his look-alike, a powerful financier/aviator. This time it's Danny Kaye who essays the dual role of American cabaret comedian Jack Martin and French financial wizard Henri Duran. While impersonating Duran, Martin is forced to make amorous advances towards Duran's neglected wife (Gene Tierney), proving himself the better lover in the process. Meanwhile, Martin must mollify his genuine sweetheart (and nightclub partner) Collette (Corinne Calvet) without revealing his ruse. A little too top-heavy in the plot department, On the Riviera must be regarded as a second-echelon Danny Kaye vehicle, though Sylvia Fine's specialty numbers -- especially the eerily autobiographical "Popo the Puppet" -- are well up to standard. One of the uncredited specialty dancers is future Broadway star Gwen Verdon. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Walter Lang
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 20, 1951 Wide
On DVD: May 22, 2007

Critic Reviews

Phil Hall, Film Threat
Minor Danny Kaye romp, with some pleasant surprises.

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Cast

            Danny Kaye as Henri Duran

            Gene Tierney as Lilli

            Corinne Calvet as Colette

            Marcel Dalio as Philippe Lebrix

            Sig Rumann as Gapeaux

            Jean Murat as Periton

            Clinton Sundberg as Antoine

            Henri Letondal as Louis Foral

            Joyce Mackenzie as Mimi

            Monique Chantal as Minette

            Marina Koshetz as Mme. Comat

            Ann Codee as Mme. Periton

            Mari Blanchard as Engenie

            Ethel Martin as Dancer

            Gwen Verdon as Specialty Dancer

            Antonio Filauri as Chef

            Joi Lansing as Marilyn Turner

            Charles Andre
            
            Eugene Borden as Announcer

            Peter Camlin
            
            Jack Chefe
            
            Alberto Morin
            
            Albert Pollet
            
            Francesca de Scaffa
            
            George Davis as Leon

            George Martin
            
            Sig Ruman
            
See full cast

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