JohnHowardReid What a delightful movie! Witty screen¬play — yet doesn't run a second too long — incorporating some bewitching performance and dance routines, some brightly captivating songs. The film is full of memorable moments, both comedic and musical. Fred at his most charmingly stylish, even the normally abrasive Vera-Ellen is attractively subdued in the Jean Simmons Guys and Dolls role. When she does throw off her refreshing caution (in the "Naughty But Nice" number), she's still a delight. Dance director Robert Alton is to be congratulated.Superbly photographed in Technicolor, the movie has great production values and a terrific support cast.The only complaint I have — and it's a very minor one — is the climatic number, "I Wanna Be A Dancin' Man". Two problems: (1) it's a solo for Fred; (2) it's not as fanciful as the other numbers in the film and although presented and danced with style, grace and charm, it's not quite as inventive or exciting as the numbers preceding. In other words, they've saved the lesser for last — and a solo at that. Every film needs a topper for the climax. Maybe this slight let-down at the finish is the reason the film got a bad word- of-mouth from critics and public who left the theater forgetting all the imaginative numbers and lively duets they'd seen earlier.At any rate, Warner Bros have corrected this slight problem on their superb DVD which includes the original version of "Dancin' Man" as well as the climactic retake. I suggest you watch this original version first, as it isn't patch on the actual final number in the movie itself. As our expectations are low, we now enjoy a really wonderful surprise!Oddly enough, The Belle of New York still has a poor reputation to- day, with most critics regarding it as little more than mediocre. Are they comparing it unfavorably with Guys and Dolls (which is partly based on the same source material)? For me, The Belle is by far the better film — in all departments.

TheLittleSongbird Not necessarily a bad film, in fact it is quite pleasant, but it is not really one that sticks long in the memory for me. The script is weak mostly with nothing really sticking out, while the story is both forgettable and underdeveloped. The film is too short I feel too and some scenes in the middle feel a little unfocused in the pace.On the other hand, there is much to like. I liked the look of the film, it wasn't anything spectacular, but the sets, lighting and costumes are very nice and the photography is crisp enough. The songs and score are great, as is the dancing. Then there are Fred Astaire and Vera Ellen, despite the script and story they give it their all making their characters likable and they sing and dance a dream.Overall, not anything to rave about but a nice enough diversion. 6/10 Bethany Cox

ryancm Not one of Freds best, although there are moments of entertainment if you skip the plot. The dancing is, as always, in a Fred Astaire film, the highlight. The songs are not memorable except his signature I WANT TO BE A DANCIN MAN. Vera Ellen makes a great partner and their numbers together are worth watching. Wish the plot were more plausible. The Marjorie Main character knows and helps the Vera Ellen character at a shelter, but her nephew, Astaire, doesn't know about it? The DVD transfer is marvelous, the costumes exceptional and the dancing wonderful, so it does deserve at least 3 stars for that. They could have omitted the "dancing in the air" bit. That brought the movie way down. I know it's fantasy, but please!!

Petri Pelkonen The Belle of New York is a romantic musical comedy about a rich playboy Charlie Hill, played by the legendary Fred Astaire, who very much falls in love with a girl called Angela Bonfils (Vera Ellen) and he does everything to get this girl to himself. No time and they're getting married.Fred Astaire was a great performer.He could sing, he could dance, he could jump to the sky and fly.In this movie love really makes him fly in the air. The Belle of New York is a nice musical.