This Time for Keeps (1947)

My Review

“This Time for Keeps” is an entertaining Esther Williams vehicle expertly directed by Richard Thorpe (“Thrill of a Romance” 1945) who organized the various characteristics of the film into one unit – Williams’ signature water ballets, musical segments, comedy, romance, and drama. Gladys Lehman wrote the sterling screenplay.

The supporting cast behind Miss Williams includes Jimmy Durante (providing comic relief), Lauritz Melchior (opera singer), Johnny Johnson (pop music singer), May Whitty (Esther’s grandmother), Mary Stuart (socialite), Sharon McMannus (Esther’s niece), Dick Simmons (producer), Ludwig Stossel (Peter), and Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra. Anne Francis and Kenneth Tobey had small & uncredited roles early in their career.

“This Time for Keeps” was a big hit in theatrical release for producer Joe Pasternak and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was partly filmed on location at Mackinac Island in Michigan, which introduced American and the world to the now iconic island. However, most of the movie as shot at MGM Studios in Culver City.