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Why so much hype?

To me, this movie is perfection.

Sadly Over-hyped

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

I agree with the many who feel this remake of 'The Male Animal' falls far short of the original- but- Gene Nelson's dancing is worth suffering through the rest.

Bright, fun Technicolor musical comedy starring the ravishing Virginia Mayo and Ronald Reagan. It's a loose reworking of The Male Animal. Mayo plays a burlesque dancer and aspiring writer who enrolls in the college where her former high school teacher (Reagan) is now a professor. As you might expect, she isn't welcome with open arms by the conservative college administration. Ronnie's in her corner though and fights for her right to an education. This is really Virginia Mayo's show the whole way. Aside from looking gorgeous she does a fantastic job playing the level-headed dancer who wants to make something more of herself. Opening burlesque number is a treat her fans will love. Virginia Mayo is one of two actresses that readily spring to mind when I think of the beauty of Technicolor; the other being Esther Williams.The college campus set was pretty. The grass was so green it looked like AstroTurf! Reagan's house was also pretty. I love Technicolor. One odd thing is that in an upstairs bedroom there is a picture of an old rival of Ronnie's on the wall. This seems to be there just to start a conversation between Ronnie and his wife (Phyllis Thaxter) over this guy. Just seemed odd. Why would there be a picture of the guy on the wall? Reagan hates him and he used to be an old beau of his wife's. This part of the story is the film's biggest drawback as Reagan's wife seems very tempted to throw him over for this jerk. Kind of a somber part of an otherwise upbeat movie. It also leads to the worst acting in the film: Ronnie's drunk scene. Cringeworthy. Anyway, it's a nice film with some songs and humor. The songs are nothing special but pleasant. See it for Virginia Mayo and the glorious Technicolor.

Billed as "42nd Street's Secret Weapon," pretty blonde burlesque dancer Virginia Mayo (as Angela Gardner) arouses male patrons as "Hot-Garters Gertie". She shows off a beautifully proportioned body (with legs up to there). Claiming he wants to obtain "theatrical data," cold-stricken college professor Ronald Reagan (as John Palmer) stops in to admire Mayo and her leggy dancers. When he sneezes, Mayo recognizes Mr. Reagan as a former high school teacher. He helps her educational aspirations with room and board...College men greet Mayo with wolf whistles. While Reagan suffers a little friction in his marriage, Mayo hoofs it up with dancing football player Gene Nelson (as Don Weston). Mr. Nelson excels in the gymnastic dance "Am I in Love?" Surprisingly, Reagan's marital discord stems not from Mayo's presence, but by pretty wife Phyllis Thaxter (as Helen) associating with former sweetheart Don DeFore (as Shep Slade). Reagan has a prolonged "drunk scene" over the matter. The film's "Technicolor" is a vibrant highlight.**** She's Working Her Way Through College (7/9/52) Bruce Humberstone ~ Virginia Mayo, Ronald Reagan, Gene Nelson

when I was young my girlfriend and I would go to the movies everyday to see this movie and stay to see it twice. As you know in 1952 the movie only played for three days.We simply enjoyed the plot which told the story of Angela who had to work hard to get to college. The fact that she met up with "Professor" was a treat. We loved the clothes she wore, the dances, the Gene Nelson creativity and watching the girl get her due for trying to expose her. Why can't they make movies like this today. I suppose the producers and directors have all passed away and the young ones today just can't sit still long enough to enjoy the simple ways of life in the 1950's the best of times.