Daddy Long Legs (1955)

Fred Astaire becomes both the benefactor and suitor of Leslie Caron in this charming story of a playboy who falls under the spell of a beautiful French orphan. While traveling through France, Jervis Pendleton lll (Astaire) anonymously sponsors an 18-year-old girl named Julie (Caron), whom he sends to college in America. Two years later they finally meet face to face and start to fall in love. But complications arise and their happiness is threatened when Jervis embarks on a noble yet misguided attempt to do "the right thing" about their age difference. Featuring imaginative production numbers and a Johnny Mercer score that includes the 1955 Oscar® -nominated hit for Best Song "Something's Gotta Give", Daddy Long Legs is a song-filled blend of dance and fantasy for romantics of all ages.

 Astaire tried to do the best he could with this script
It's just that the script was really flimsy to begin with. A college-bound orphan, even one from Paris, would be a little more street-wise. Instead, we get an overgrown child who spends an inordinate time writing to her benefactor. She is angry that she has not heard from him during much of her college enrollment.

Frankly, I don't find that a plausible development at all.

Instead of getting involved on campus, or seriously attending to her studies to make attending college academically worthwhile--she's pouting. Really, she should be grateful that she's even getting to attend college and won't have to worry about how it's being paid for.

This film made me feel sorry for Fred Astaire--who obviously has awesome dance moves.

I can't believe an agent actually encouraged him to take this part. Sure it was a showcase for his dancing, but some of the lines which he had to utter besides were pure camp. The guy deserved better! November 26, 2007

 I'm a big Fred Astaire fan, but...
This is the first Fred Astaire movie that I've ever quit watching midway through. It's really more of a showcase for Leslie Caron, who was sort of a French Annette Funicello -- although she's likeable enough, her personality and talents seem singularly underwhelming, especially when you've got Astaire waiting in the wings, twiddling his thumbs. The film starts out great, with a scene of Fred banging away on the drums, keeping time to a jazz record and talking hep lingo... But it loses oompf midway through, and Astaire recedes into the background for far too long. It's an okay movie, but there are many, many better films to be seen. July 10, 2007

 Daddy Long Legs
I think this is one of Fred Astaire's best. A lot of people rave about "Top Hat," but I like his later movies better. His dancing is exceptional. The only problem I have with the film is it's another of the "teen age girl falls in love with old man" movies. That hasn't changed much over the years if you've seen any Clint Eastwood movies. Of course, I am an old man who would like to think it could happen to me.

Fred is a "stand-up, elegant" dancer compared with Gene Kelly who is a "squat low, gymnastics" dancer. Both are great. In this film, I think Leslie Caron was superb. She had an air of innocence which she portrayed very well and she is such a lovely dancer. I think she fits as a dance partner better with Fred that with Gene who is better suited with someone like Cyd Charisse.

I saw the movie when it first came out in 1955 and several times since. It has remained one of my favorites because of the music and dance routines more than the storyline. I would have purchased it earlier, but it wasn't digitized for DVD until 2005 and I didn't want the VHS version.

If you are a fan of musicals like I am, you will love this film. March 24, 2007

 A touch of Old Fashioned Charm
This is a Musical for the discerning. Someone who appreciates the way things 'use to be'. Mr Astaire executes with effortless elegance, grace and 100% charm.
A Youthful Leslie Caron almost flawlessly mirrors Mr. Astaire's natural effortlessness and makes you wish that you had enough talent to look so relaxed partnering a legendary entertainer.

If you enjoy the innocent/natural charisma of a bygone era with its genteel elegance....you cannot go past this classic!

On the downside [purely personal taste] I think that Miss Caron's 'fade to dream dance sequences' are too long and too numerous to hold my attention and don't add enough 'value' to the overall storyline.

Ultimately, Uncle Jervis is everyone woman's dream man [fully loaded, without the traditional 'drop dead/georgeous' skin deep covering...but what he lacks in 'looks' is outweighed by his endless charm, charisma and downright Godgiven talent! Delightful!
February 21, 2007

 Delightful Golden Oldie
Daddy Longlegs is a wonderful movie showcasing the great dancing of both Fred Astaire and Leslis Caron. If you are a fan of either, this is a must-have. There's also some good extras on the DVD. January 14, 2007

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