Movie spotlight
Dangerous When Wet
The health conscious, dairy-farming Higgins family begin each day with an invigorating swim. One day, traveling health-tonic salesman, Windy Weebe, comes to town and suggests they could swim the English Channel. Sponsored by "Liquapep" and coached by Windy, the family arrive in Europe. There it is decided that daughter Katie is the only one strong enough to enter the contest. But while she should be focused on the difficult and risky task ahead, Katie is pursed by dashing Frenchman, André Lanet... This comedic musical is well remembered for the scene when Katie dreams she is swimming with cartoon characters Tom & Jerry!
Insights
Plot Summary
The "Swimming Daughter" of Midwest America, Windy Weaver, is persuaded by her family to enter the European swimming championships. Her father and brothers believe she can win prize money to save their failing hardware store. Along the way, she encounters a charming Spanish bullfighter and a rival swimmer, leading to a series of humorous and musical aquatic adventures.
Critical Reception
Dangerous When Wet was a moderate commercial success, capitalizing on Esther Williams's established stardom as a "swimming movie" actress. Critics generally found it to be a lighthearted and entertaining musical, praised for its aquatic sequences and Esther Williams's performances, though some noted its predictable plot.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its vibrant musical numbers and spectacular swimming scenes.
Esther Williams's star power and charm are a major highlight.
A light, frothy, and enjoyable musical comedy.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available in a summarized format.
Fun Fact
The film features an elaborate water-ballet sequence that was choreographed by the famed Busby Berkeley, known for his kaleidoscopic and often surreal musical numbers.
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