Watch Finian's Rainbow

In the 1968 film "Finian's Rainbow," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, viewers are transported to the whimsical world of a small Irish village and a group of magical characters who are searching for gold - both literally and figuratively. The story follows Finian McLonergan (Fred Astaire), a lovable Irishman who comes to the United States with his daughter Sharon (Petula Clark) with hopes of finding a pot of gold to bring back to Ireland. While in a small town in the fictional state of Missitucky, Finian encounters a racist senator named Billboard Rawkins (Keenan Wynn) and his bumbling henchman, Buzz Collins (Tommy Steele). The group inadvertently stumble upon a leprechaun named Og (played by dancer and choreographer Don Francks), who has followed Finian from Ireland in an effort to take back the stolen pot of gold.

As the group searches for the gold, they each face their own challenges and discover important lessons. For Finian, it's learning to let go of his past and embrace change as he faces a new country and a changing world. Sharon comes to understand the importance of standing up for what's right, even in the face of discrimination and injustice. Rawkins and Buzz, meanwhile, learn the value of friendship and connection in a world where they've always believed that success and power were the keys to happiness.

"Finian's Rainbow" is a musical, filled with catchy tunes that range from upbeat and lively to heartfelt and emotional. Astaire, Clark, and Steele all showcase their impressive vocal and dancing talents as they perform several memorable numbers throughout the film. The choreography, created by Hermes Pan, is particularly noteworthy, as it blends traditional Irish dance with contemporary moves and styles for a truly unique and eye-catching result.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of "Finian's Rainbow" is its unwavering optimism and hopefulness. Despite the characters' differences and conflicts, they ultimately all come together to recognize the importance of humanity, love, and the power of dreams. In a world that can often feel cynical and jaded, this message feels particularly resonant and uplifting.

Overall, "Finian's Rainbow" is a charming and delightful musical that showcases the talents of its impressive cast and crew. With its catchy songs, impressive choreography, and heartwarming message, it's a film that is sure to lift spirits and leave viewers feeling optimistic about the world around them.

Finian's Rainbow is a 1968 fantasy movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.