The Shocking Miss Pilgrim

The enormously popular Betty Grable followed Mother Wore Tights -- arguably her best film -- with The Shocking Miss Pilgrim, a somewhat risky move in that the period setting meant there would be precious little chance to display those million-dollar gams that were among Grable's biggest assets. It's too bad, for Pilgrim could have used a bit more help. Although Grable is her usual appealing self, she's stuck in a script that is decidedly on the dull side. While the plot makes some tentative stabs at addressing the role of women in the workplace, it pulls back from making any daring (even for the time) statements. The lack of surprise in the plot is echoed in the rather perfunctory dialogue. Pilgrim does have a pleasing Gershwin score, but even the presentation of the numbers lacks sufficient sparkle. Part of this is due to co-star Dick Haymes, whose crooner style lacks dramatic punch and energy. Director George Seaton is unable to lift the proceedings, and displays little flair or imagination -- perhaps because his preceding project, the classic Miracle on 34th Street, took it all out of him. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide