My Review:
The movie version of "Finian's Rainbow" was a screen adaptation of the 1947 successful Broadway musical. The movie is a delightful, lively musical with excellent performances by a cast headed by Fred Astaire and Petula Clark. Although the scenery looks very realistic, most of the scenes were actually filmed on sound stages.
The score of "Finian's Rainbow" is pleasant and easily remembered and sung. It won an Academy Award nomination for Best Score of a Musical Picture. The songs are accompanied by energetic dances, partially choreographed by Hermes Pan.
The film version of "Finian's Rainbow" was cast well, with an aging Fred Astaire, in his last musical, charming and a bit devilish as Finian. Although Petula Clark was 36 when the film was made, she played the much younger Sharon with the appropriate vitality needed for the role. Her singing and acting were excellent. Don Francks fit the role of Woody well and he had a pleasant voice, suitable for the songs in the film.
Although the supporting cast was also excellent, the highlight of "Finian's Rainbow" is Tommy Steele's performance as Og, the Leprauchan. He is totally lovable, comic and delightful in the role and he sings his two songs, "Something Sort of Grandish" and "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love," to perfection.
Although "Finian's Rainbow" is a musical comedy, its underlying theme is a serious one. The film deals well with the subject of bigotry, especially considering the fact that the original 1947 play was years ahead of its time for such a theme.
"Finian's Rainbow" is a delightful musical, suitable for all ages.