Watch It's a Pleasure

It's a Pleasure is a musical comedy film from 1945, directed by William A. Seiter and starring Sonja Henie, Michael O'Shea, and Marie McDonald. The movie tells the story of Chris Linden (Sonja Henie), a Norwegian ice skater who comes to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a famous performer. She meets Don Martin (Michael O'Shea), a struggling composer and songwriter, who becomes her partner and helps her succeed in show business. Along the way, they fall in love, but face many obstacles, including a rival band led by the beautiful and ambitious singer, Peggy Ford (Marie McDonald).

The film opens with Chris's arrival in New York, where she immediately starts looking for opportunities to showcase her ice skating talents. She auditions for a show, but the director dismisses her as a novelty act. She meets Don, who thinks she has potential, and they team up to create a new act that combines skating and music. They perform in nightclubs and on the radio, gradually gaining recognition and popularity. But their success is threatened when Peggy Ford enters the scene, determined to steal the spotlight and win Don's heart.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Peggy is not just a rival performer, but also a scheming and manipulative woman, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She flirts with Don and tries to sabotage Chris's career by spreading false rumors about her. Chris, however, remains determined and resilient, and continues to work hard and improve her skills. She also learns to trust and rely on Don's support and encouragement.

The movie features several musical numbers, including original songs written by Don, such as "It's a Pleasure" and "I Have Eyes". Sonja Henie's ice skating performances are also highlights of the film, showcasing her grace and athleticism. The sets and costumes are colorful and stylish, typical of Hollywood musicals of the era.

One of the strengths of the film is the chemistry between Sonja Henie and Michael O'Shea, who play their roles with charm and wit. Henie, a former Olympic champion and renowned ice skater, brings authenticity and credibility to her character, while O'Shea, a versatile actor and comedian, provides the right balance of humor and romance. Marie McDonald, a popular pin-up model of the time, adds glamour and sex appeal to her role, making her a memorable villain.

It's a Pleasure is a lighthearted and entertaining movie, with a message of perseverance and teamwork. It celebrates the joy of music and dance, and the passion of performers who follow their dreams despite obstacles. It also reflects the cultural and social values of the post-World War II era, when Hollywood musicals were a popular form of escapism and optimism. Overall, it's a movie that can be enjoyed by all ages and audiences, as a classic example of the golden age of Hollywood.

It's a Pleasure is a 1945 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.