One Touch of Venus
While touring a museum, Rodney Hatch, an unremarkable barber, places an engagement ring intended for his girlfriend on the hand of a statue of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. From Mount Olympus, Venus witnesses the event and decides to visit Rodney on Earth by magically inhabiting the statue. Hilarity ensues when she starts to fall in love with Rodney and competes with his girlfriend for his attentions. This television version of Kurt Weill's successful Broadway musical is much more faithful to the stage version than the 1948 Ava Gardner film, which changed the story considerably and cut most of the songs.
Critics Sentiment
Venus sings her love song enchanting Joe and Gloria
Detective Kerrigan decides to arrest Eddie for the statue theft
The film peaks during Venus's musical numbers showcasing Janet Blair's vocal talents, then dips during the more dramatically demanding arrest sequence.
Reviewers appreciate Janet Blair's strong vocal performance and the retention of the original Weill-Nash score, but find the live television format limiting. The musical moments succeed while dramatic scenes suffer from stilted performances and the actors' visible nervousness. Overall seen as an enjoyable oddity worth watching for Blair's talents despite its dated presentation.
Full cast
Janet Blair
Venus
Russell Nype
Rodney Hatch
George Gaynes
Whitelaw Savory
Laurel Shelby
Molly Grant
Mort Marshall
Taxi Black
Iggie Wolfington
Stanley
Val Avery
Bus Starter
Len Doyle
Officer
Arny Freeman
Anatolian
Peter Gumeny
Second Trucker
Fred Hillebrand
Major Domo
Glenn Kezer
Police Lieutenant
William LeMassena
Zuvetli
Louis Nye
Dr. Rook
Adnia Rice
Mrs. Kramer
Georgia Simmons
Mrs. Moats
Mildred Trares
Gloria Kramer
Dick Wilson
First Trucker
Crew
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