Copyright 6 July 1950 by Loew's Inc. An MGM picture. New York opening at Loew's State: 9 August 1950. U.S. release: August 1950. Australian release: 22 January 1951. 9,206 feet. 102 minutes.SYNOPSIS: Based on story suggestions by Harry Ruby himself, this film lightly chronicles the misunderstandings between two song-writers. One would rather be a magician, the other a baseball player.NOTES: One of MGM's top money-makers of the year. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture (lost out to Annie Get Your Gun).COMMENT: Fanciful as it may seem, this film is actually closer to its subject's real lives than most other Hollywood biographies. Kalmar (who was 11 years his partner's senior - oddly enough the same age difference between Skelton and Astaire) died in 1947, but Ruby not only supplied anecdotes for Wells to embellish and acted as technical adviser but even has a bit part (a nice inside joke) as a big league ball-player!This light, amusing story is most ingratiatingly played. Skelton never had a better part. Aside from the embarrass¬ingly maudlin The Clown (1953), it is one of his few forays into straight acting - although the script does wisely allow for a few typical Skelton routines, particularly a most amusing episode in which the bumbling Red wreaks backstage havoc during Astaire's magic act.Many fans complained that Astaire didn't have enough dancing. In point of fact, the knee injury that forced Kalmar into full-time songwriting actually happened. Of course, yesterday's picturegoers (like today's television viewers) didn't give a hoot about facts - no wonder Hollywood took such liberties with "lives". Even so, Fred has at least three delightful routines with Vera-Ellen (not including the rackety "Hoofers At Home" with its nice surprise exit) which he handles with typical grace and style - plus a short but highly inventive solo. And, as might be expected, he rubs up the straight and comedy material - as well as his singing chores - with his usual pleasantly polished finesse.Vera-Ellen displays plenty of charm and dances with ebullient ease. The support cast is unusually strong, featuring some engaging characterizations by such players as Keenan Wynn, Gale Robbins, Debbie Reynolds, Paul Harvey, Harry Shannon and Pat Williams. On the other hand, Gloria De Haven plays her mother too soulfully and with little vivacity, while Arlene Dahl makes Eileen Percy so bland one marvels at her success in Hollywood - but these are piffling criticisms. All in all, the acting is first-rate.By director Richard Thorpe's standards, Three Little Words is a wonder of professionalism. The original exponent of the "Don't make it good, make it Monday!" school of movie-making, Thorpe was hired to cut costs. The MGM brass had little faith in the picture, reasoning that if Words and Music - about the well-known songwriters Rodgers and Hart - barely made money, what chance a biography of Kalmar and Ruby who were hardly household names? Even so, Thorpe handled the assignment with expertise, even drawing a reasonably appealing performance from Vera-Ellen whose unmalleability defeated many a more meticulous director.While money has not been poured into Three Little Words - it's not one of MGM's super-dooper extravaganzas - it's a charming film that succeeds in its entertainment aims quite admirably. It has heart, enthusiasm, vitality, credibility. Always one of Astaire's favorite films, it proves that ultra-lavish production values cannot replace amiable team-work.

Because I am a retired history teacher, I have got to point out that this film is mostly fiction. The opening says it's 'BASED on the lives and music of Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby'. While there was a real life song writing duo of Kalmar and Ruby, much of what you see in the film was pure hogwash. The duo actually LIKED each other and none of the friction between them in the film actually existed in real life. HOWEVER, even though I know this, I still had to watch the film for one reason--it stars Fred Astaire! Heck, I'd watch him in any movie...period. It's not just his dancing and singing that I like, but it's his classy persona in films. It's hard not to like the guy and want to see him in ALL his movies! This movie was an interesting experience for me. Usually, I watch old MGM musicals on my own because my family thinks these sorts of films are silly. Well, recently I got my oldest to watch a few of these films but tonight I was surprised when my wife also sat down to watch. And, my youngest joined in to see the film. And, surprisingly, they all had a great time watching it. Now it's not surprising I'd like it--but the rest of my family, too! Overall, we had a great time--even if the story was pretty much fictionalized.A couple things to look for in the film is the baby dance (you'll love it when they start tossing the kid about) as well as the rather offensive Kalmar-Ruby tune about the Japanese.

You have to love a movie with dance and song! I had never heard of this movie but received it as a Christmas gift by a good friend who knew my love for old movies of this genre. I also love movies about real people and historical things. This movie is based on the lives of two song people from the early 1900's. Lot's of good music to listen to and great dance to watch, with a nice plot line. The movie featured an all star cast including Fred Astaire and Red Skeleton. I only knew Red as a comedian so it was fun to see him take on the role of a somewhat serious nature. Vera Ellen was quite glamorous and was fun to watch in the dance numbers. Hairdo's, clothing, sets all very interesting to see, a glimpse from the past.. Very enjoyable way to spend an evening.

This is the first real movie I have seen Red Skelton in, and he is amazing. His acting is so believable and he still does some of his typical comedic jokes and falls. There is one baseball practice scene I had to play in slow motion because the fall he did was so perfect! Also, when he shows disappointment and/or sadness, he'll just take your heart away. Because this movie is based on true events, you don't need to worry about a lousy plot or storyline. The music is great, and it is wonderful to see Red and Fred working together on songs. I wish this movie were offered on DVD. I watch it so often, I'm going to wear out the tape. I plan on buying a couple more copies just in case. I highly recommend this movie if you like Red Skelton, Fred Astaire, musicals, or just good movies. This movie should be considered a classic. It breaks my heart that whenever I mention this movie, nobody has ever heard of it.