YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER

SYNOPSIS: A wealthy Argentinian businessman (Menjou) is desperate to marry off his headstrong second daughter (Hayworth), so he invents a secret lover to court her. His plan backfires when she assumes an American dancer (Astaire) is her new admirer, much to her father's horror.

BOTTOM LINE: What one expects from a pairing of Hollywood's most elegant dancer and most enticing love goddesses is never fully realized in this average song and dance romance. It's not a stretch to understand why these two legends were paired together. Astaire gives Hayworth class, and she gives him sex appeal. It's too bad their talent is tied down by a mediocre script and so-so musical numbers. The dancing is lovely, as always, it's just nothing innovative, if you've seen other Astaire flicks. Despite Astaire's suave ways, he's not in the same league as Rita and that makes the plot even less believable. Astaire plays an entertainer, as usual, looking for employment in South America. Hayworth, the most admired daughter of the man he's trying to work for. After an emotionally chilly first meeting, Astaire and Hayworth fall madly in love due to mistaken identity, parental shenanigans and moonlight serenades. Their love is put to the test when it's revealed that Astaire wasn't the man she thought he was. Despite her hurt feelings, Rita can't resist him and is soon dancing the night away in his arms. Surprisingly, Hayworth holds her own in the singing and dancing departments. The costumes and sets are attractive as always. Not as witty or innovative as the Astaire/Rogers pairings, but still pretty entertaining.