This is the 1955 musical remake of the 1942 film of the same name. I was not a huge fan of the original (it tried way too hard to be kooky) and I was curious if the remake would be any better."My Sister Eileen" (1955) stars Janet Leigh (as the title character) and Betty Garrett as her sister. The pair come to make their fortune--Eileen as an actress and Ruth as a writer. Unfortunately, like in real life, success does not come quickly and they are forced to rent an ultra-crappy basement efficiency. Along the way, they both have some romances and flirts with success. Where will it all end? See the film.So is this film any better than the 1942 version. Not really. While I like that the pace of the remake isn't quite as frenetic (a big improvement), the songs are not particularly good. One in particular (the one where they pretend to be playing musical instruments) is downright annoying...at best. Overall, it's a time-passer and that really is about it.

I recently saw this musical, and enjoyed it very much. There is only one thing that puzzles me though. First, a little history of "My Sister Eileen". It originated as a series of short stories by Ruth McKenney that eventually was published as a book in 1938. In 1940 the book was adapted as a non-musical play. In 1942, Columbia produced a film version of the play. In 1953, Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green wrote the music and lyrics for the hit Broadway musical adaptation retitled "Wonderful Town". Then two years later, in 1955, Columbia released this musical version. What puzzles me is that it seems that Columbia completely ignored the hit Broadway show of just two years prior, as if it never existed. It's interesting that they would have Jule Styne and Leo Robin write a completely new score for the film, when the superb Bernstein/Comden & Green score was already there. The Styne/Robin score is very good, but in no way does it compare to "Wonderful Town".

What a combination of amazing talent! Jule Styne (future composer of "Gypsy" and "Funny Girl") and Leo Robin (Styne's collaborator on "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes") wrote the songs, the early Fosse choreography is exceptional (LOVE the dance duel with him and Tommy Rall), Blake Edwards co-wrote the screenplay, and Betty Garrett and Janet Leigh are incredibly appealing. Lots of similarities to "On The Town" (possibly why they chose to start fresh and not do the Bernstein-Comden-Green version "Wonderful Town"?) Anyway, this is a delight for anyone who loves a good old fashioned 1950's Hollywood musical.

What if this schlock fifties remake of a decent movie adaptation of a very good musical had had, in addition to Jack Lemmon and Dick York--Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe? The combination would have been a natural.