Iceland

Of course, you couldn't expect much more from a Sonja Henie movie. The plot was thin, basically about an Icelandic girl who falls in love with a Marine stationed in Iceland, who is reluctant to get married. The skating numbers and music were terrific. The one where Sonja Henie dressed in Chinese, Hawaiian, and Latin costumes and skates around is exceptionally well done. The end number is also fantastic, and the songs, especially "There Will Never Be Another You" were all good. This doesn't hold a candle to Sun Valley Serenade, but if you like light entertainment that involves ice skating, I'd say give this a try.

Whatever the merits of Ms. Henie and Mr. Payne, this movie is a must for all World War II buffs. It is the only movie that I know of about the United States's invasion of Iceland. Hardly anyone knows that the United States occupied Iceland in July of 1941, five months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The U. S. took over occupation from U. K. forces who had been there since 1940. The reason this occupation was that Iceland was a superb base to protect the North Atlantic sea lanes. The invasion was part of conspiracy theorists's belief that Roosevelt and Churchill plotted to get the United States into the war. Besides, Sonja may be the best ice skater of all time -- look up her Olympic record -- and is as cute as a button.

The storyline for the movie was nothing special. The skating was excellent for its' time and the music from the SK Orch. was excellent. Of course, I was partial to the music.....my Dad was in the band as lead trumpet player at the time and I watched the movie for that reason. He was front and center most of the time and it was neat to see him in the movie and think that as I was watching him in the movie, I was older than he was then. My Dad passed away in 1991 and it was really nice to finally find this movie on a few years ago. My sister and I "taped" it to have for the memories. John Payne did all he could with the poor storyline and made it enjoyable. Sterling Holliway was a pleasant surprise since my Dad talked about him often and that they were friends.

The reason US Marines went to Iceland prior to Pearl Harbor was part of a deal to relieve English troops so they could fight in North Africa and other locations. Denmark, the country actually responsible for Iceland allowed this to happen . It was not part of any conspiracy. Contrary to many of the reviews, this is a fine, entertaining movie. I like this movie better than "Sun Valley Serenade". Anyone interested in Sonja Henie films will find this delightful. The cast is actually quite good. Sterling Holloway is quite amusing. Jack Oakie is laugh out loud. The stars are very attractive. And you can swing and sway with Sammy Kay.