On Your Toes Reviews

Some fine talent is gathered in this picture, but the dreadful script puts a dull edge on the exquisite musical numbers. Albert plays a composer who has ditched vaudeville to try the legitimate theater. He becomes involved with a visiting Russian ballet company that includes his childhood sweetheart, Zorina, but trouble erupts when members of the company mistake him for a traitor. This adaptation of the Broadway hit did not take to the screen as well as expected, mainly because the characters lack the depth to carry a film. This sadly failed attempt at musical comedy is notable, however, for being the Norwegian Zorina's second film and her first starring role, and because Zorina's husband at the time, Balanchine, choreographed the never-to-be-forgotten ballet sequence "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue." The film also marked the 12th appearance before the camera for 14-year-old O'Connor in only three years. Musical numbers include: "There's a Small Hotel," "Quiet Night," "On Your Toes," "Princess Zenobia Ballet" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart).