The Belle of New York (1952)

47% of users liked it
(422 ratings)

A lesser Fred Astaire effort, Belle of New York is set during the turn of the century. Astaire plays a footloose and fancy-free playboy who falls in love with Salvation Army lass Vera-Ellen. To prove his worth to the girl, Astaire breaks down and gets a job. Naturally, there's plenty of… More A lesser Fred Astaire effort, Belle of New York is set during the turn of the century. Astaire plays a footloose and fancy-free playboy who falls in love with Salvation Army lass Vera-Ellen. To prove his worth to the girl, Astaire breaks down and gets a job. Naturally, there's plenty of terpsichorean activity from the two stars, but nothing truly worth remembering save for Astaire's solo "I Wanna be a Dancin' Man". The film's best moments belong to such stellar supporting players as Alice Pearce, Marjorie Main, Keenan Wynn, Henry Slate, and the ubiquitous Percy Helton. Belle of New York was adapted by Chester Erskine from a play by Hugh Morton. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Charles Walters
Genres: Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1952 Wide
On DVD: Jul 31, 2007
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This very average film is not one of Fred's musical triumphs, but is watchable.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Mason W

The Belle of New York, starring Fred Astaire and Vera Ellen is a very lovely MGM musical. The costumes, dance numbers are delightful. I very much like both Vera Ellen and Fred Astaire so it is nice to see they were teamed up...both are very gifted dancers. Check this classis musical… More
The Belle of New York, starring Fred Astaire and Vera Ellen is a very lovely MGM musical. The costumes, dance numbers are delightful. I very much like both Vera Ellen and Fred Astaire so it is nice to see they were teamed up...both are very gifted dancers. Check this classis musical out!
jay n

Minor Astaire, very colorful but ordinary.

Cast

            Fred Astaire as Charlie Hill

            Vera-Ellen as Angela Bonfils

            Marjorie Main as Mrs. Phineas Hill

            Keenan Wynn as Max Ferris

            Alice Pearce as Elsie Wilkins

            Clinton Sundberg as Gilfred Spivak

            Gale Robbins as Dixie McCoy

            Lisa Ferraday as Frenchie

            Henry Slate as Clancy

            Carol Brewster as One of Frenchie's girls

            Meredith Leeds as One of Frenchie's girls

            Lynn Wilde as One of Frenchie's girls

            Roger Davis as Judkins

            Buddy Roosevelt as Cab Driver

            Percy Helton as Bowery Bum

            Tom Dugan as Bowery Bum

            Oliver Blake as Currier

            George Boyce as Bowery Bum

            Jean Corbett as One of Frenchie's Girls

            Joe Evans as Bowery Bum

            Lola Kendrick as One of Frenchie's Girls

            Donald Kerr as Bowery Bum

            Reginald Simpson as Casino Headwaiter

            Dick Wessel as Bowery Bum

            Dorinda Clifton as One of Frenchie's Girls
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