07/17/06 Brigadoon

Brigadoon (1954), directed by Vincente Minnelli

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home; suggested by Leslie

In the grand tradition of hidden fantasy lands such as the wonderful world of Oz, or the lost city of Atlantis, or even the engaging trappings of Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky (there's a book out there you can purchase on this wacky town name, I own it...comes the town of Brigadoon. And speaking of far away places, the film was directed by Vincente Minnelli...husband of Oz's Judy Garland, and father of space-cadet Liza. This enchanting tale of daydreams and foreign places comes to us from two hapless American buddies (Gene Kelly as Tommy and Van Johnson as Jeff) who go across the ocean for a hunting trip to Scotland. Strange things are afoot in the woods, as the two men stumble upon two very strange entities. One being the mysterious land of Brigadoon that appears not on a map, but rather as an apparition out of the highland mists one day each century. The other is a loveable, huggable appearance of a musical number out of thin air. Yes, the hills are alive with the Scottish sound of music (drunken pub music at that). Tommy and Jeff at first do not realize why the local townsfolk are so odd and secretive, seemingly stuck somewhere in the past. However, it is soon revealed to them that they are in fact stuck in the past through fanciful choreographed dance numbers were Gene Kelly is allowed to show off his fancy footwork (why else would he be in movies?). Throughout the movie there are beautiful songs of merriment and love, as Tommy falls for the local beauty Fiona and is forced to choose between his home and this new one. Among the catchy tunes is one that holds a special meaning to someone special to me...Leslie. You see, the number called "I'll Go Home With Bonnie Jean" was the origin of Leslie's aunt Bonnie's name...given to her by her sister (Leslie's mum, Diana). And if you were to look up the name, it's a pretty sweet connotation to have for a moniker...meaning physically attracrive, pretty or excellent. Not bad for a song sung by drunkard Scots in a land that doesn't really exist in a time forgotten. A movie that will surely be enjoyed by all who let themselves get lost, and go home to their own bonnie whomever.

3 out of 5 stars