As much as I enjoyed the work of Astaire and Charisse in this film, I have to admit that Janis Paige comes thisclose to stealing the film from them as the Esther Williams-type movie star who is looking to broaden her career. Paige has rarely been seen to better advantage on the big screen. I particularly loved her duet with Astaire called "Stereophonic Sound."
shareDitto to all that! Janis Paige was a beautiful, funny, and talented actress who seemed forever destined to play second-banana roles. Check out her performances in Please Don't Eat the Daisies and the Bob Hope vehicle Bachelor in Paradise -- that's what you call real, old-school sexy.
All the universe . . . or nothingness. Which shall it be, Passworthy? Which shall it be?
She's great. I just looked up her imdb page and can't believe there are no board entries. A highly under-rated actor in her time. Beautiful, talented, sassy, funny - and amazing in the second fiddle roles.
shareJanis Paige actually fared better on Broadway than she did on film. She originated the role of Babe Williams in the original production of "Pajama Game". Rumor has it that if they had cast a major Hollywood star in the male lead for the film version instead of John Raitt, that she would have landed the role of Babe in the film version as well. The powers that be decided instead to go with the Hollywood star in the female lead (Doris Day), so Paige missed out. Ironic that the two had previously done "Romance On The High Seas" together in 1948, and Day's role in that film completely eclipses Paige's, who could do everything that Day could just as well.
shareI wasn't familiar with Janis Paige till yesterday, when I saw this movie for the very first time, and I have to agree with you: she was TERRIFIC and extremely funny. "Stereophonic Sound" was by far my favorite musical number in it, and it's primarily due to her. Such an energy! I so wish she had had a much longer screen time! I previously saw this number in one of the "That's Entertainments", and that was what made me buy the "Silk Stockings" DVD. And now I'm glad I did it, as it made me find out the wonderful Miss Paige. In a certain way, she reminded me of another fabulous comedienne, often underrated: Marthe Raye.
Animal crackers in my soup
Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop
I am as passionate a Fred Astaire fan as can be, and that is what originally drew me to this film, many years ago.
And even I have to agree -- Janis Paige is wonderful, and so much of what makes this film fun.
The Stereophonic Sound number is wonderful, due to the lyrics and Astaire, but also because of Paige.
And the sly "I'm not doing a striptease -- I'm just explaining why nice lingerie is important" routine in Satin and Silk is classic.
Now, you might think I am in love with Janis Paige, but there's no truth to the rumors -- we're just good friends.
Paige was a bit of a scene stealer in this movie.
Its that man again!!