Les Girls (1957) - Cukor

Plot: The four members of the Musical Group "Les Girls" all tell different versions of their last night together.
Stars: Gene Kelly, Kay Kendall, Mitzi Gaynor, Taina Elg

This was Gene Kelly's last MGM musical and while enjoyable its quite different than his previous MGM films (Singin' in the Rain, American in Paris, etc.).  First, the three "Girls" are the real stars, Kelly plays a supporting role. Second, Les Girls has a score by Cole Porter. Third, its not really a "Musical Comedy" but a Comedy with some musical numbers. Les Girls has only five songs, and six production numbers (four with Kelly, two without) - compared to the 10 or so of Singin' in the Rain. There are no long ballets - the longest production number is 6 minutes. 

However, the music we get is quality stuff. The best two songs are Les Girls with Gene and the 3 Girls, and Why Am I So Gone an amusing Wild One satire with Gaynor and Kelly.  We also get the witty, off-color, Ladies in Waiting. As for the comedy, its low-key and humorous, but perks up when Kay Kendall is on-screen.  Kelly has a tailor made role: his character is demanding, arrogant, ambitious, and comically insincere. On the outs with MGM, he was unenthusiastic about the movie, but it doesn't show on-screen.

Finally, some prominent Internet critics have attributed a "darkness" and seriousness to Les Girls that isn't really there.  While the film deals with "What is truth?" and includes talk of attempted suicide, its all done in a light and comedic manner.

Summary:  Les Girls looks marvelous and has a great story line (stolen from Rashomon) but despite all the great talent involved its no more than a pleasant comedy with some good Cole Porter Songs. Everyone did better work elsewhere.  But so what? Its still a good movie.