“New York, New York, it’s a wonderful town!”
synopsis
Three sailors on 24-hour shore leave in New York City race across town in pursuit of romance, adventure, and one unforgettable subway poster girl.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Lively and groundbreaking in its use of on-location shooting, the film captures postwar exuberance with athletic choreography led by Gene Kelly. It’s episodic and light, but kinetically joyful. The energy sometimes outpaces character depth — yet that may be the point.
A burst of optimism and something bright on the stereo afterward.
Absurdist's Corner
Three strangers meet three women in a city of millions — and every encounter turns into synchronized choreography. Also charmingly absurd: that a 24-hour leave is enough time for operatic romance and philosophical fulfillment.
fun facts
One of the first MGM musicals to shoot substantial footage on location in New York.
Frank Sinatra co-starred at the height of his early fame.
The film altered much of the Broadway score.
The museum ballet sequence pushes the story into stylized fantasy.