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Pal Joey from 1957 is a musical film directed by George Sidney, produced by Fred Kohlmar and adapted from the 1940 Broadway musical of the same name by John O'Hara and Richard Rodgers. The movie follows the story of the titular character, Pal Joey, played by Frank Sinatra, who is a charming but cynical nightclub singer and dancer in San Francisco. Pal Joey dreams of making it big and owning his nightclub, but his lack of ambition and inability to be trusted cause him to fall from grace.

Pal Joey starts off by introducing us to Joey Evans, a small-time hustler and nightclub performer who is always looking for his next big break. When he's not performing, he's charming women and engaging in casual relationships. He begins a new job at a wealthy socialite's nightclub and tries to seduce her into funding his dream of owning his own establishment. Joey also becomes infatuated with a young, innocent and down-to-earth aspiring dancer named Linda English, played by Kim Novak. However, Linda is taken in by the charms of a wealthy businessman named Weston, played by Robert Keith, who Joey sees as a rival for Linda's affections.

Throughout the film, Joey's selfish behavior and lack of principles gradually catch up with him, leading to his eventual downfall. He betrays his friends and colleagues, and ultimately ruins his relationship with Linda, whom he had come to love. The film portrays Joey as a classic antihero, who is often deceitful and manipulative in his pursuit of his goals. Despite this, he retains a certain attractiveness and charm that makes it hard to dislike him.

The musical numbers are one of the highlights of the film, with Sinatra delivering some stellar performances. The songs are catchy and memorable, blending well with the story, and are often used to advance the plot. Sinatra's performance of "The Lady Is a Tramp" is a standout song and a highlight of the movie.

Rita Hayworth plays Vera Simpson, the wealthy socialite nightclub owner who employs Joey. She is a veteran performer who commands the respect of her colleagues and has a cynical view of the world. Despite her wealth, she longs for true love and a committed relationship, but struggles to find it. Hayworth's performance is nuanced and complex, and she brings a sense of maturity and elegance to the film.

Kim Novak, who had previously worked with Sinatra in the movie "The Man with the Golden Arm," delivers a delightful performance as Linda English. Linda is a simple and innocent girl who dreams of becoming a dancer, and Novak portrays her with charm and vulnerability. Her chemistry with Sinatra is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most compelling moments in the film.

Overall, Pal Joey is an entertaining and engaging musical that showcases the talents of its cast. The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews, with many praising Sinatra's performance and the film's music. It also remains a popular classic and a delightful snapshot of the Hollywood golden age.

Pal Joey is a 1957 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.