Delightfully Dangerous

Plot

Sixteen-year-old Sherry Williams idolizes her older sister Josephine, believing she has become a successful Broadway star in New York. When Broadway producer Arthur Hale visits Sherry's school and praises Josephine's supposed talent, he encourages the nervous young singer before her performance. Inspired by his words and her sister's success, Sherry travels to New York to surprise Josephine, only to discover her sister works as a burlesque dancer named 'Bubbles Barton' in a second-rate club. As Sherry processes this shocking revelation, she must decide whether to return home disillusioned or pursue her own singing dreams with the help of the sympathetic producer who recognizes her genuine talent.

Historical Background

Released in March 1945, 'Delightfully Dangerous' emerged during the final months of World War II, a period when American cinema served as both entertainment and morale booster for the home front. The film industry was operating under wartime constraints, including rationing of materials, limits on construction, and the possibility of key personnel being drafted. Universal Pictures, like other studios, was focusing on economical productions that could be turned around quickly. The musical genre was particularly popular during this era as it provided escapist entertainment from wartime anxieties. The film's emphasis on family values and pursuing dreams through talent rather than deception reflected American cultural ideals of the period. The setting of New York's entertainment world resonated with audiences who looked forward to post-war prosperity and the return of civilian life. The movie's release preceded the war's end in Europe by less than two months, making it part of the final wave of wartime entertainment.

Making Of

Arthur Lubin approached this musical with his characteristic efficiency, having honed his skills on numerous Universal productions. The studio was eager to capitalize on Jane Powell's sudden popularity after her successful debut. Powell's natural singing talent was so impressive that the production team decided against the common practice of dubbing vocals, allowing her to sing live during filming. The burlesque sequences presented particular challenges, as the filmmakers had to suggest adult entertainment without violating the strict Hays Code. Choreographer Charles Sidney created dances that were suggestive but not explicit, using camera angles and lighting to maintain the illusion of risqué performance. Ralph Bellamy, a seasoned character actor, provided mentorship to young Powell during filming, helping her navigate the complexities of a leading role. The production completed filming in just 24 days, typical for Universal's economical approach to B-musicals during the wartime era.

Visual Style

The cinematography by George Robinson employed standard Universal studio techniques of the era, utilizing the studio's extensive backlot facilities. Robinson, who had shot numerous Universal productions including horror films, brought a clean, straightforward visual style that prioritized clarity over artistic experimentation. The musical numbers featured more dynamic camera work, including tracking shots and crane movements to enhance the sense of spectacle during Powell's performances. The burlesque sequences used strategic lighting and camera angles to suggest adult entertainment while maintaining Code compliance. The contrast between the bright, wholesome world of Sherry's school and home life versus the shadowy, atmospheric lighting of the burlesque theater created effective visual storytelling. The film's black and white photography, typical of Universal's economical approach, actually enhanced the dramatic contrast between the sister's two worlds.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking in technical terms, 'Delightfully Dangerous' demonstrated Universal's efficient production methods during wartime constraints. The film employed the studio's established system of reusing sets and resources from other productions, with the burlesque theater set being a redressed version of sets previously used in other Universal films. The live recording of Jane Powell's vocals during filming, rather than the industry standard of pre-recording and lip-syncing, was technically challenging but resulted in more authentic performances. The film's sound engineering successfully balanced Powell's powerful operatic voice with the orchestral accompaniment, avoiding the distortion that could occur with less experienced sound technicians. The production's ability to complete filming in just 24 days while maintaining quality demonstrated Universal's streamlined approach to B-musicals. The effective navigation of Hays Code requirements in depicting burlesque entertainment showed technical and creative problem-solving within censorship constraints.

Music

The film's musical score was composed by Walter Scharf, with songs by various writers including Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne. The soundtrack features seven musical numbers, all performed by Jane Powell, showcasing her impressive operatic soprano range. Notable songs include 'Delightfully Dangerous,' the film's title number, and 'I'll Walk With God,' which became one of Powell's signature pieces. The musical arrangements leaned toward classical and operatic styles rather than the more contemporary swing sounds popular at the time, reflecting Powell's classical training. The score was recorded with a full orchestra, giving the modest production a more luxurious sound than its budget might suggest. Powell's vocals were recorded live on set rather than pre-recorded, a practice that was becoming less common but which added authenticity to her performances. The soundtrack was released on 78 rpm records by Decca Records, focusing on Powell's vocal performances.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening school assembly scene where 16-year-old Jane Powell nervously performs before her classmates, showcasing her remarkable operatic voice for the first time in the film
• The dramatic New York arrival sequence where Sherry discovers her sister's true profession as a burlesque dancer, contrasting the innocent expectations with the harsh reality
• The emotional confrontation between the sisters in the dressing room, where family bonds are tested but ultimately strengthened through honesty
• The final musical number where Sherry performs on a legitimate stage, proving that talent and integrity triumph over deception

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics gave 'Delightfully Dangerous' generally positive but not enthusiastic reviews. The New York Times praised Jane Powell's 'remarkable vocal talents' while noting that the plot was 'familiar territory for musical fans.' Variety highlighted Powell's screen presence and predicted a bright future for the young star, though they found the story 'somewhat contrived.' Modern critics and film historians view the movie as a competent but unremarkable example of the mid-1940s musical genre. Leonard Maltin later described it as 'pleasant but predictable' while acknowledging Powell's appeal. The film is generally regarded today as a historical curiosity primarily interesting for Powell's early performance and as a representative example of Universal's wartime production values. Critics have noted that while the film doesn't break new ground, it effectively showcases the talents that would make Powell a star in subsequent years.

What Audiences Thought

The film performed moderately well at the box office, particularly appealing to Jane Powell's growing fan base of teenage girls and their families. Audiences responded positively to Powell's singing numbers, which were often cited as the film's highlights. The wholesome nature of the story, despite its burlesque elements, made it popular with parents looking for suitable entertainment for younger viewers during wartime. Moviegoers of the era appreciated the film's optimistic tone and its message about pursuing dreams through honest effort rather than deception. The movie developed a modest following through subsequent television broadcasts in the 1950s and 1960s, where it was often featured in programming blocks aimed at family audiences. While never achieving cult status, the film maintains a small but dedicated following among classic film enthusiasts and Jane Powell fans who appreciate it as an early showcase of her talents.

You Might Also Like