This Time For Keeps

Whether soaring from the high board or redefining grace in a lavishly choreographed water ballet, Esther Williams is at her radiant, swimsuited best in this lighthearted aquatic musical centered on her romance with an ex-GI (Johnnie Johnston). Settings include Michigan's Mackinac Island, filmed on location with picture-postcard resplendence. And notable supporting stars provide specialty numbers: famed tenor Lauritz Melchior brings his artistry to "La Donna E Mobile," Xavier Cugat (with signature teacup chihuahua at hand) adds big-band elan to the proceedings, and Jimmy Durante delightfully dismantles his piano while searching for "The Lost Chord." In the water or on dry land, there's plenty of fun here.

• classics
• musical