Easy to Love (1953 film)

Synopsis

Ray Lloyd (Van Johnson) runs a successful Cypress Gardens water show, but star attraction Julie Hallerton (Esther Williams) is overworked and underpaid. She fibs about pretending to marry her aquatic partner Hank (John Bromfield), but is persuaded by Ray to accompany him to New York instead.

Julie's hired to pose for a magazine lipstick ad when handsome singer Barry Gordon (Tony Martin) takes the place of a male model and kisses her instead. Barry offers to introduce Julie to a promoter who will pay and treat her better than Ray does.

When they return to Florida, a jealous Hank tells off Ray for not realizing how Julie truly feels. Her roommate Nancy (Edna Skinner) whacks her accidentally with a water ski, knocking Julie cold. All three men in her life rush to her side, and it appears Barry's going to win her.

At the last moment, Ray realizes he's in love with Julie, and vice versa. Barry quickly turns his attention to another bathing beauty while Nancy reveals a romantic interest in Hank.

Cast

Production

MGM announced the film in October 1952. It was shot partly on location in Cypress Gardens starting 12 February 1953.

Carroll Baker made her film debut in a small role as a once-married woman interested in Tony Martin's character, and jealous of Esther Williams.

Tony Martin's wife Cyd Charisse visited the set during filming and makes a cameo at the end of the film.

Reception

According to MGM records the film made $2,349,000 in the US and Canada and $1,440,000 elsewhere resulting in a profit of $385,000.