This is an excellent production, with sets, costumes, and dialogue that really captures the late 1950's era. I have paid to see movies at the cinema that do not have the richness of the look of this film. Hallmark and the producers are to be credited with hiring Director John Putch to bring this story to life. He has done a really fine job here. It is hard to single out cast members because they all are excellent and have their terrific moments, but Ginna Marie Mason has the chore of carrying the film's story and she does so very effectively as Maggie, a young, well-to-do woman who realizes her dream of being a dancer. I am surprised at some of the negative reviews here that focus on the fact that the Rockettes had no black dancers in the 1950's. Does everything have to be turned around and focus on race nowadays ? Why can't an actress or actor be hired for a part whether they are black, white, red, or green? As nicely written by Julie Sherman Wolfe, this story is about women in an era where they had to struggle for independence. The script does not deal with racial issues that existed at the time. The part of Alice is about a seasoned Rockette who is feeling that her time as a dancer is coming to an end. The producers hired a black actress to play the part and Tiffany Denise Hobbs is just wonderful in it. I can remember reading articles in the Hollywood Reporter and other journals during the last 10 years that bemoaned the fact that actors of color were not hired enough for parts that could be played by any race. Well, here you have it. Alice just so happens to be played by a really fine black actress. Some other movie can explore the history of women of color breaking into the Rockettes. That is not what this movie is meant to do. It's meant to entertain us and tell us about women of any color who are realizing their dreams in the late 1950's.
The only disappointment here is the limited use of Ann-Margret. She is not given much to do, but, still, it is always a pleasure to see her charming presence in any movie, no matter how limited. Maybe next time.
As for the Rockettes, Director Putch filmed their routines very effectively here and they are pretty amazing. A joy to watch. We saw them in the real Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall about 20 years ago and were sort of disappointed with the show. The Rockettes were only on stage for about 20 minutes, and the rest of the show is a silly play for children that, to tell the truth, our kids were bored with. But, the Rockettes had their full attention and they were wide-eyed with wonder, so it was worth the price of admission. So, if you can't get to Radio City, this movie is a wonderful way to see the Rockettes - up close to boot.
