Few films ventured out of the soundstage during Hollywood’s Golden Era, since the major studios found it more cost-effective and efficient to film in the comfort of their atmosphere-controlled lots. However, a rare film would supplement its studio footage with some choice sequences shot in a unique location. One film that did this is MGM’s “This Time for Keeps” from 1947.
This film is a musical produced by the studio’s Joe Pasternak unit. The Hungarian-born producer loved stories centered around music and family, and this movie typifies his style. Award-winning swimmer-turned-movie star Esther Williams plays the leading lady, opposite crooner Johnny Johnston, a singer who never really made it in films. …