The Duchess of Idaho (DVD)

She can ski too! Slipping a fur-lined parka over her trademark bathing suit, Hollywood's favorite mermaid hits the snow-covered slopes of Idaho's famous Sun Valley in this charming, song-filled romantic comedy. But never fear, aqua lovers, for the film also features two Esther Williams water ballets 'of the extra gorgeous variety' (Los Angeles Times). Cast as a successful swimming star, Miss Williams has never looked lovelier as she travels to Sun Valley to help her lovesick roommate (Paula Raymond) snare her rich but elusive boss (John Lund). But when both Lund and bandleader Van Johnson fall head over heels for Esther, she finds herself having to tread water in a sea of light romance. With it's breathtaking scenery captured in rich Technicolor, this lavish production features a top-drawer cast that includes Mel Tormé, Clinton Sandburg and Amanda Blake (Gunsmoke's Miss Kitty) - plus special appearances by Lena Horne, Eleanor Powell and Red Skelton.

Starring: Mel Tormé, Esther Williams, Van Johnson, John Lund, Paula Raymond, Clinton Sundberg, Mel Torme, Dick Simmons, The Jubalaires, Charles Smith, J. Louis Johnson, Red Skelton, Connie Haines, Amanda Blake, Tommy Farrell, Sig Arno, Lena Horne, Eleanor Powell, Roger Moore, Bunny Waters, Dorothy Douglas, Mae Clarke Langdon, John Trebach, Suzanne Ridgeway, Harold Miller, Larry Steers, Gene Brown, John Hamilton, Les Gotcher, Russell Hicks, Ben Heideman, Bert Moorhouse, Wilson Wood, Allen Ray, Bobby Troup, Lorraine Crawford, Sandra Spence, Bullets Durgom

Director: Joe Pasternak