The word "peppy" might very well have been created just for I Love Melvin. Also the word "snappy," and it's possible that "energetic" never really found full expression until Melvin came along. Of course, it's also true that "silly," "inconsequential," and "featherweight" are equally apt adjectives to apply to Melvin (if the movie ever would sit still long enough to let any adjectives stick to it.) I Love Melvin is a strictly B-level MGM musical, but it's got so much good cheer and such engaging performances from its stars and their supporting cast that it's tempting to overlook the fact that the plot is both familiar and ridiculous, the score is mostly mediocre ("A Lady Loves" being an exception), and the direction is perfunctory. It also boasts some nifty Robert_Alton choreography, the highlights of which include Debbie_Reynolds playing the part of a football; a couple of dream/fantasy numbers; and a spiffy "Where Did You Learn to Dance?" duet. Reynolds and Donald O'Connor are adorable and appealing throughout. Noreen_Corcoran does very well as Reynolds' kid sister, and Jim_Backus and Una_Merkel provide solid support. It's all in pursuit of fluff that threatens to blow away at the slightest hint of wind, but viewers who can ignore the lack of substance should enjoy themselves quite a bit. Craig Butler, Rovi

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