“…a blast to the senses.”

“…has a certain looseness compared to other MGM musicals.”

“…has more ambition than its talent can possibly live up to.”

“Sheer talent and production value salvage this troubled endeavor…”

“Manic Minnelli, which isn’t always for me.”

“…a suspect morality tale, yet once the performers grab ahold of the music, that falls by the wayside.”

“…forces conventionality on a sordid and surreal chapter of American history.”

“…a Polish horror mermaid musical, and as wild as that sounds.”

“…has the advantage of Fred Astaire and Judy Garland in the lead roles, Irving Berlin numbers throughout, and hats upon hats upon hats.”

“A paean to the nuclear family and the fertile soil where it ostensibly grows best—the American Midwest.”