On the Town poster
Review

On the Town 1949

Directed by Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly · 98 mins · 1,798 views

3.8 Letterboxd 3.63(24,231)
Ratings R R P N A L A W L N

Synopsis

Three sailors wreak havoc as they search for love during a whirlwind 24-hour leave in New York City.

Trailers

Reviews (179)

  1. R
    Robin 8 月 24, 2026

    is it really a Gene Kelly movie if there’s not a lengthy musical montage with its own complete story arc?

    423 2
  2. R
    russman 8 月 24, 2026

    Did she just say ‘prehistoric dick’?

    484
  3. P
    Patrick Willems 8 月 24, 2026

    Wow the Navy looks super fun!

    275 2
  4. N
    nora 8 月 24, 2026

    the sailors are here and THEY! ARE! HORNY! also not to be a boomer but frank sinatra hot

    334 2
  5. A
    ana 🏳‍🌈 8 月 24, 2026

    gene kelly tap dancing is not therapy!! get help!!

    269 6
  6. L
    liam f 8 月 24, 2026

    have now reached the conclusion that it is impossible to watch a Gene Kelly film without smiling at least once

    287
  7. A

    gene kelly got dumped and all of his friends sang “YOU CAN MILK ME DRY” to make him feel better

    377 3
  8. W
    Willow Maclay 8 月 24, 2026

    I love the women in this movie. They’re incredibly distinct from one another in their desires, jobs, looks and visual comedy. They’re all really well drawn as characters, and oh so horny, which is always a blast. Moreso than the men even, and that’s really saying something when you’re standing across from Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. Betty Garrett, in particular, is dynamite in her role as the assertive, dominant one in her budding relationship w/ Sinatra. She gets her way, and pushes him in any direction she wants. You can also comfortably add her to the list of all time great cinematic lady cab drivers.

    776 1
  9. L
    liIy 8 月 24, 2026

    i’m incredibly convinced after watching this that: – the bronx is up – the battery’s down

    239 3
  10. N
    Nea Ching(y) 8 月 24, 2026

    Frank Sinatra in the thickest new york-adjacent accent: wowee, we’ve nevah been to new yahk before, I tells ya!

    204
  11. L
    Les_Vampires 8 月 24, 2026

    Plebs: Old Hollywood musicals are stuffy and boring. Old Hollywood Musical: Here’s a song about how this lady wants to fuck a caveman.

    860 1
  12. C
    Chris 🍉 8 月 24, 2026

    dumb and corny and questionable (at best) sometimes in its use/portrayal of other cultures BUT guess what i still loved it for the following reasons: -gene kelly’s ass -gene kelly’s thighs -gene kelly tap dancing -uhhhhhhhh -gene kelly

    813 1
  13. S
    skibidijuls 8 月 22, 2026

    tipo de pelicula que me hace extrañar a Frank Sinatra gorda no lo conociste nunca tenes razón si perdón El numero de bailes es HERMOSO genuinamente orgasmico y la banda sonora NO SE QUEDA ATRÁS a Leonard Bernstein hay que besarle el cerebro y agradecerle la vida me gusta la química que hay entre los perosnajes, entre los protagonistas hay un nivel cómico grandisimo y siento que es algo difícil de encontrar lo que me generan ambos protagonistas y a destacar que me encantan lo fresco que se siente que usen escenarios reales de Nueva York, le da cierto toque tan bello TOP TIER PELICULAS CARAJO.

  14. Z
    ZNote 8 月 21, 2026

    It’s plainly obvious when the film is discarding Bernstein’s original music, but even with that in mind, it’s a genuinely fun romp through city streets, nightclubs (racial insensitivity is sadly present), and some ravenously horny people. “Come Up to My Place” is still one of the best comedy songs in any musical.

  15. A
    ash 8 月 21, 2026

    I’ve forgotten just how many quotes I’ve stolen from this film, truly one of my favorite musicals (and overall movies) ever. all of the main actors (especially gene kelly, vera-ellen and betty garrett) are unbelievably charismatic here!!!! such a fun watch, I’ll never get tired of rewatching it, every single second is entertaining, beautifully shot and captivating. the dancing scenes are definitely my favorite, but i especially love one of the last scenes where gabe tells chip “that’s why i…

    2
  16. N
    noelle 8 月 21, 2026

    HELLLOOOOO SAILOR

    2
  17. W
    Will 8 月 20, 2026

    Every Gene Kelly film got to have a dream ballet sequence

    1
  18. D
    DeepeshVerma 8 月 20, 2026

    The fellas and I on a night out, a little problematic and very gay.

  19. N
    nat 8 月 19, 2026

    they didn’t have the guts to take this movie where it needed to go

    3
  20. A
    Andy P 8 月 19, 2026

    Taking the musical off the stage (partially, at least) and into real locations was a significant step in the evolution of the MGM musical, while Kelly’s physicality and choreography remain the film’s undeniable strengths. Unfortunately, I struggled to derive much enjoyment from its dreadful humour, nor did I find much of a hook in the premise of three boyish, horny sailors given a day in New York. The film’s energy and technical innovation are obvious, but its broad comedy and thin romantic premise left me largely cold.

    2
  21. 𝒽

    Gene Kelly is a musical genius

    1
  22. J
    Joey 8 月 18, 2026

    The boys should have kissed each other

  23. P
    paige 8 月 18, 2026

    i wish i could wear a sailor uniform every day of my life

    1
  24. L
    Lucas Rock 8 月 18, 2026

    It sounds like New York is a wonderful town…perhaps I’ll visit

  25. H
    Holly 8 月 18, 2026

    A beautiful dream dance sequence didn’t save the outrageous 2nd song

    3
  26. S
    Sam 8 月 18, 2026

    So amazing. Ann Miller I love you so so so so much. Frank Sinatra peaked here it doesn’t get better than this

  27. L
    lily 8 月 18, 2026

    the empire state building scene had me STRESSING

    1
  28. J
    Josephine Petersen 8 月 18, 2026

    extremely questionable dance sequences, but sweet characters, frank sinatra and lots of vintage big band music in the back; definitely a movie of its era

  29. Q
    qourry 8 月 18, 2026

    silly, fun, and a little easy to love. only old hollywood musicals would obtain a song about how a woman wants to sleep with a caveman lol.

  30. D
    Darknhel 8 月 17, 2026

    Aguanten los musicales

    1
  31. 𝐫
    𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐲✱ 8 月 17, 2026

    And now the head. The sub-super-dolichocephalic head. Oh, sailor, I love you for having that! Gee, all my life I wanted someone to love me for my sakidophalic head. oh boy was this such a fun little experience. Generally endearing with a side of cultural appropriation 😄 what’s not to love about a movie musical from 49’. If my New York experience isn’t anything remotely like this, I don’t want it. That, and I’m such a sucker for sailor uniform 🤩. But the green dress ms Claire was wearing? Instant heart eye. Side note: Holy ballz Gene kelly is one gorgeous man 👯😝🙈

  32. O
    Olivia Sieck 8 月 17, 2026

    Man… I get why my grandma was attracted to Frank Sinatra.

  33. L
    lola 📼 8 月 17, 2026

    new york, new yorkkkkkkk!!!! very much a product of its time (negative). very much a product of its time (pure delight and wonder). gene kelly and vera ellen is a combination i didnt know i was waiting my entire life for. the dance sequences are as always impeccable, the music is cute (prehistoric man and you’re awful are my favorites), and the chemistry is THERE! def going to be a rainy day watch from now on. gene kelly’s melty smile had me on the floor oh my god

  34. F
    flifi 8 月 16, 2026

    not entertaining enough to distract from the misogyny of the 40s

  35. L
    Lewis Simpson 8 月 16, 2026

    I just can’t get on with this films wavelength. Every song had me wanting them to just get on with it, and the constant mugging to camera was pleading rather than inviting. There’s a few jokes here and there, and it’s got an undeniably enjoyable level of corniness, but I just can’t get into this kind of fluff.

  36. S
    Sarah Mullin 8 月 16, 2026

    Gene Kelly just lights up the screen

  37. R
    Rafael 8 月 15, 2026

    Eu gosto de escutar o Frank Sinatra cantar. Eu gosto de ver o Gene Kelly dançar. Eu gosto de ver esses musicais antigos onde os personagens transitam por sets enormes e executam coreografia maravilhosas. Por consequência, curti esse aqui. Dito isso, sinto que esse filme não entrega muito quando se trata das canções. Tirando uma que envelheceu meio mal, todas as músicas são apenas okzinhas e só empalidecem se comparado com Cantando na Chuva, outra colaboração Donen/Kelly. Assim, as coreografias são o grande trunfo aqui. A sequencia instrumental que Kelly dança, reinterpretando os eventos do filme acaba sendo o meu momento favorito.

    1
  38. S
    Skyediver 8 月 15, 2026

    On the Town is a fun, charming musical with great energy, memorable songs, and plenty of classic Hollywood appeal. Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra are terrific, and the New York setting gives it a lively feel. I really enjoyed it, but it doesn’t quite reach the magic of Singin’ in the Rain, which remains the gold standard for this kind of musical.

  39. I
    isabel 🦕⭐ 8 月 15, 2026

    501 Must-See Movies Watch #2 This is the first musical I have watched with sinatra + kelly. I haven’t watched many of their films overall, but this is the first I’ve seen of them together. I was really drawn to wanting to watch this movie because one of the women love interests likes one of the men because he looks like a prehistoric man…and there is also a musical number about this. Jules Munshin who plays the missing link looking…

    2
  40. P
    PlanetMan45 8 月 15, 2026

    Analytical Review Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen’s On the Town is one of the most joyous, energetic, and technically dazzling musicals of Hollywood’s Golden Age, a film bursting with life, colour, movement, and charm. Kelly and Donen’s direction is vibrant and inventive, shaping the film with a kinetic rhythm that blends comedy, romance, and dance into a seamless, exuberant whole. Their collaboration with screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green results in a narrative that is simple, lovable, and endlessly engaging,…

    15
  41. T
    The Ecstatic Truther 8 月 14, 2026

    I never had any interest in this until I watched Exterminate All the Brutes a few years ago. The “Prehistoric Man” sequence serves as the opening scene of Raoul Peck’s mini-series on the history of American colonization and genocide. It is deployed to highlight American pop culture’s penchant for appropriation of indigenous culture and lack of respect for that which came before. And yeah, that’s all true. However, “Prehistoric Man” is easily one of the greatest musical numbers in the…

    3 1
  42. D
    D1lf_Hunt3r 8 月 14, 2026

    Eh beh ça m’a pas forcément donné envie d’aller a New York

  43. M
    Mark 8 月 14, 2026

    Ann Miller usually gets on my nerves but she was funny in a campy kind of way here. Honestly, I watched this because I wanted to see it as a kid who was interested in these big grand MGM musicals. And also for Betty Garrett because I loved her in old Laverne & Shirley reruns.

  44. K
    kiefershuler 8 月 13, 2026

    Had some great dances but most of the songs are forgettable and the story isn’t great. Maybe the worst Gene Kelly movie I’ve seen.

  45. ✨
    ✨🥂👩‍🌾 8 月 13, 2026

    why is it that in literally every movie gene kelly and frank sinatra are in together, gene kelly is the cool hot guy and frank sinatra is a twink sub

  46. W
    wonzangel🎞️🪽 8 月 13, 2026

    I loved this movie, you could really tell the era from it was from and the dance and songs was amazing. First Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra movie

  47. C
    Catamount23 8 月 12, 2026

    A oui elle sait ce qu’elle veut, miskine Sinatra. Décidément il a vraiment le don de la danse en toute élégance. Carrément 3v3 en même pas 24h une journée mouvementée.

  48. B
    bryce 8 月 12, 2026

    This scratches that golden age musical itch. This is my second Gene Kelly flick, and I really enjoyed it. Best sequence in the entire movie is the play in the third act. Also appreciate some real freaky women.

  49. O
    Oliver 8 月 11, 2026

    even with the casting this was a hard watch

  50. K
    karlitasxp 8 月 11, 2026

    This is art

  51. L
    lulu_v4 8 月 11, 2026

    jamais de point négatif sur ces films je les kiffe plue que mon père

  52. W
    WhatASillyGoose 8 月 11, 2026

    Homies help homies, always.

  53. 🎞
    🎞️ Sara 🎬 8 月 11, 2026

    this is genuinely a new comfort movie! This is such a feel good movie, i was laughing gasping and THE DANCE NUMBERS OMG. The first and last 10 minutes of this movie genuinely might be my favorite thing ever.

  54. M
    MaoamChomsky 8 月 10, 2026

    Ivy Smith did that whole intro dance in backrooms. Some very funny sequences in this but just didn’t think any of the songs were that good.

  55. Z
    Zé 8 月 10, 2026

    Todos os filmes com Gene Kelly são supinpas.

  56. A
    Annette 8 月 10, 2026

    Fun and charming little musical, till you get to that one part and you wonder wtf you’re doing. Gene Kelly hot af I always love to see him yearning though he’s so good at it

  57. V
    Visitor_C 8 月 10, 2026

    A mid first half that is overshadowed by the much more enjoyable second half. Even if the songs get better and the comedy more tolerable, this isn’t going to be my go-to type of musical.

  58. A
    Alex P 8 月 9, 2026

    What’s a Gene Kelly movie without a random dream sequence that brings the story to a halt?

    1
  59. R
    roxie 8 月 9, 2026

    ✦········· “Who you got waiting for you in New York, Ava Gardner?” This is what I was expecting from Anchors Aweigh to be honest! Exactly how many sailor movies did Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly make though

    1
  60. J
    Jake 8 月 9, 2026

    Up there with Singin’ in the Rain as one of the best old Hollywood musicals. So many classic songs and great lines and ridiculous moments.

    3
  61. H
    Hallelujah247 8 月 9, 2026

    Some really good songs and then some songs that went on for too long. Gene Kelly is great but I’m not a fan of the out of nowhere dream ballet sequence.

  62. K
    KB 8 月 9, 2026

    With respect: this is east coast Anchors Aweigh.

  63. A
    Audrey 8 月 8, 2026

    incredible movie.

    1
  64. R
    Rusty Gordon 8 月 8, 2026

    One of the horniest movies I’ve ever seen

  65. M
    Maggiedalenaaa 8 月 8, 2026

    Me and Chip are one and the same. We just wanna see the sights and *maybe* kiss along the way.

    1
  66. T
    Thomas280 8 月 8, 2026

    I’m more of a take me out to the ballgame head I guess. Some really exhilarating choreography, but it kinda goes nowhere. I will always lock tf in for a Kelly number.

  67. M
    Matt 8 月 8, 2026

    I don’t buy it – I don’t think any of them are really sailors 3.1

    1
  68. S
    SarahTheNerd 8 月 8, 2026

    She really wanted the prehistoric d

  69. M
    moneyliz 8 月 8, 2026

    Every time I see Gene Kelly on my screen, I feel like a batty octogenarian: stars in my eyes, swooning wistfully, like I could yap abt his insane rizz all day to the girlies at the nursing home. This was a great movie. That introductory dance sequence where we met Miss Turnstiles was real a stand-out.

    2
  70. L
    Ludmila Moraes 8 月 7, 2026

    Adorei o filme, bem divertido e as músicas e cenas de dança são muito boas

    1
  71. C
    Christian 8 月 7, 2026

    Whenever Gene is hoofing I’m smiling, especially when this hops the tracks of narrative to do one of his dazzling pure abstraction ballet sequences with Vera-Ellen in a heaven of artificial sets (the “A Day in New York” segment is as good as anything I’ve ever seen from him)…whenever Frank and that other dope are doing their schtick I’m smiling a lot less. Betty Garrett is radiant though, wish she and Ann Miller could’ve just hung out with Gene the whole movie and ditched those losers! I knew the Coens loved this one but man they LOVED this one lol

    3
  72. L
    lubirk 8 月 6, 2026

    Still chasing that Singin in the Rain high. These characters were really annoying to me. Best parts were the singin and dancin of course

  73. C
    charmovielotte 8 月 6, 2026

    I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!

    3
  74. L
    Laith_Scott 8 月 6, 2026

    Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. What more is there to say?

  75. W
    WrenWreviews 8 月 6, 2026

    New York, New York, a helluva town. The Bronx is up and the Battery’s down, the people ride in a hole in the ground, and they are likely riding in an American Car and Foundary Company Lo-V IRT car running the 7th Avenue Express when they first find out about Miss Turnstiles, as evidenced by the porcelain handholds, longitudinal seating, overhead wooden paneling, and other interior detailing I won’t list here. There is also a brief appearance by what appears…

    2
  76. G
    greyveehehe 8 月 6, 2026

    come on specimen lets get primitive!

    3
  77. S
    stella 8 月 6, 2026

    world’s best squad!

    2
  78. O
    Owen Bloom 8 月 5, 2026

    I slogged through this film. Despite the fact that Gene Kelly is great and so is much of the rest of the cast, and the dance numbers are incredible, I just failed to feel engaged with the story or characters. The musical numbers aren’t really that catchy or memorable with the exception of a few (ie. New York, New York).

  79. N
    Nate Winterton 8 月 5, 2026

    Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly are so hot

  80. G
    GladiatorFan484 8 月 3, 2026

    New York, New York!! Who could have guessed this movie would have ended like the birdcage They just love each other and they are all friends and they have their lovers and they are happy and they sing and the cycle continues

    3
  81. M
    Myra 8 月 3, 2026

    The Great Actor Crawl of 2026: #14 These guys are all such good friends. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such an eccentric cast of characters. I’ve never really heard of the Hippodrome before so when there was a song heavily featuring it I could only think of the Himbodome.

    1
  82. O
    Overlooked 8 月 3, 2026

    i didn’t think it would be that fucking deranged but damn it sure is

  83. J
    Jim White 8 月 3, 2026

    Three sailors (Gaby, Chip and Ozzie) are given 24 hours shore leave in New York City and they intend to cram every moment with sightseeing and finding girls. Gaby sees a poster of “Miss Turnstiles” in the subway and is determined to find her and take her out “on the town”. Chip encounters a feisty and insistent female cab driver who has one thing on her mind. Ozzie is pursued by a woman he meets at the Metropolitan Museum of…

    1
  84. W
    Will 8 月 2, 2026

    Gene Kelly may be the GOAT, only Astaire may top him… the Ava Gardner joke and New York, New York set the tone perfectly! I’d also like to listen to prehistoric man on repeat.

  85. S
    Sandra Byles 8 月 2, 2026

    Not gonna lie, the line “Dr. Kinsey, I presume?” to the sexed-up lady anthropologist really made me cackle. Though that museum number gets reeeeaaaallll sketchy the more they play with the masks and drums…. I love how horny all the ladies are in this. Anne Miller wants to fuck a caveman so bad! Betty Garrett’s cabbie has one mission, and it’s to get Sinatra back to her apartment to have her way with him! Her roommate is sick as a…

    1
  86. C
    chronicopheliac 8 月 2, 2026

    What a silly movie, but I watched it for the cast and enjoyed myself!

  87. M
    Maddie Caldis 8 月 2, 2026

    Good thing they got all the sightseeing done in the opening number so we could focus on the plot. Forward women from the 40s are my idols. I never give up anything I like. I’m just a streetcar named impulsive. Getting involved is so involving. Ok specimen, let’s go primitive! When you toss a guidebook off the top of the Empire State Building…

  88. M
    malloryalice045 8 月 1, 2026

    Nothing like a Frank and Gene classic to make you wanna go to New York

  89. S
    shoshana_g 8 月 1, 2026

    you’re awful!

  90. K
    Ken French 8 月 1, 2026

    I want a spin-off film about the shipyard worker who doesn’t want to get out of bed.

    1
  91. L
    Lilo :) 8 月 1, 2026

    exactement comme ça que j’imagine la permàNantes de Maxence #toutpourlesdemoiselles

    4
  92. S
    Sammie 7 月 31, 2026

    Rating: 3.3/5 stars There’s just something about a Gene Kelly musical that makes me happy. I loved the tap dancing and choreography the most. Some scenes dragged a little, but I was still fascinated. I loved the main cast; Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Jules Munshin, Ann Miller, Betty Garrett, and Vera-Ellen. Gene Kelly and Vera-Ellen are magical together whenever they dance. I also enjoyed all the relationships and the way the sailors were yearning for love. And it was funny!…

    2
  93. N
    nic 7 月 31, 2026

    i wish i could dance like gene kelly

    23
  94. B
    B 7 月 31, 2026

    new york, new YOOOOOOOOOORK

  95. R
    rachelnnich 7 月 31, 2026

    why don’t all films have random dance numbers about wanting to fuck a caveman ????????

  96. S
    Saja 🔭🐋🔮 7 月 30, 2026

    لو اشوفه ١١٠٠٠١٠١٠ مرة ما بمانع🧡

  97. J
    Jack Temple 7 月 30, 2026

    Classic MGM movie musical and on location shots in New York? What more can you ask for?

  98. R
    reema 7 月 30, 2026

    THIS WAS SO FUNNNN

  99. A
    AshvsFilm 7 月 30, 2026

    This was goofy and cheesy but I honestly just had a lot of fun with it. This is another sailor themed musical with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. I’m not sure why they are always sailors. Are they type cast? Also we get some scenes actually filmed in NYC. Not many but a few! So Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra are both surprisingly fun on screen. I still liked them. This time they had a third guy with them, Jules…

    13
  100. L
    Lee 7 月 30, 2026

    i would kill for that fucking green dress i swear good film with good songs, just a shame it feels like it starts to drag about half way through

  101. 𝓙
    𝓙𝓪𝓴𝓮 7 月 29, 2026

    These little town blues, are melting away Just a jolly good time. So bright, so sweet, so fun. What’s not to like here?

    5
  102. C
    circusknight 7 月 29, 2026

    Always wanted to see this film, I love Gene Kelly. And Ann Miller does some insane dancing, what a talent! The storyline is very simple but fun to watch.

  103. M
    moviedoof69 7 月 29, 2026

    Literal perfection OMFG

  104. Z
    ziggymystardust 7 月 29, 2026

    How I’m gonna move when I’m back in NY

  105. B
    Busbus 7 月 28, 2026

    Garip beğendim

  106. I
    Isaac Harris 7 月 28, 2026

    Poor Frank Sinatra. He just wants to see sights that don’t exist anymore, and this taxi driver is trying so hard to fuck him.

    1
  107. C
    CashErikson 7 月 28, 2026

    Buncha horny sailors. I was not sold on this one until the ending really brought everything back around nicely. And the “hiding in drag to evade law enforcement” bit is always a hit with me. Most of the musical numbers suck shit but that extended dance sequence near the end was very nice.

    2
  108. R
    Robin_Virago 7 月 28, 2026

    I was here for Sinatra, and while the plot is fun and I liked the humor and the three female leads’ personalities… wow, did I hate the music. There were very few songs here that I enjoyed, which made the (many) numbers a bit of a slog. Alice Pearce is amazing, though, and the girls’ speeches to the police at the end are great enough to make up for some lackluster lyrics.

    15 2
  109. K
    kaity ˙⋆✮ 7 月 28, 2026

    offensive at times but so so sooo fun and corny and silly and whimsical

    2
  110. D
    Davi Lima 7 月 27, 2026

    Terminei o filme On The Town. Pensando, mas em geral é bem escapista, no bom sentido. O filme até comenta sobre si mesmo, como um dia em Nova Iorque de 3 atos. O que se diferencia dentro dessa narrativa é a polícia ir atrás dos protagonistas, numa grande tensão, mas tudo é liberado, quando as mulheres discursam sobre os poderes cívicos delas. Afinal, durante todo o filme elas buscam bastante o que elas querem. É um retrato muito forte do…

  111. C
    cliteastwood1234 7 月 27, 2026

    frank sinatra saying “i’ve never been to new york before” with a new york accent is hilarious. sisters are doing it for themselves! yes! yes! also, trying to write a review without drooling but it must be said that putting gene kelly and frank sinatra in a film together is a dangerous dangerous thing. for people. me. specifically. drool.

    4 2
  112. J
    jamie 7 月 27, 2026

    I’m really a sucker for old hollywood musicals but I can’t express how badly everyone is miscast in this

  113. S
    Sredni 7 月 27, 2026

    “You’re Awful” is a musical conceit after my own heart.

    1
  114. C
    cvrloscastro 7 月 27, 2026

    God forbid a girl has a cold !

    1
  115. S
    Sunny 7 月 27, 2026

    i didn’t know sailors were freaky like that

  116. E
    Eric Bolton 7 月 26, 2026

    A post WW2 musical in which the women have cool jobs, the men are homesick sailors, and everyone is impossibly horny. There’s a lot to love about On the Town: the single day cyclical structure, the fact that no one ends up married, 1940s NYC in technicolor, the evading and duping of the cops after destroying a dinosaur skeleton subplot, and obviously the fact that it stars arguably the best singer (Sinatra) and dancer (Kelly) of the era doing countless…

    2
  117. J
    Jarrod Lombardo 7 月 26, 2026

    It’s pretty bad, but the dance at the museum (minus the racism) and Gabey’s dream ballet are the best parts. The dream ballet alone is worth a star.

  118. O
    Otto 7 月 26, 2026

    A good fun musical! There’s not a single bad song in here. Each song just as catchy as the one prior to it, and each song is quite different from one another, but they all feel like they’re in the same family. Which makes sense because they’re all from the same composers, writers, etc but it’s the first time I’ve noticed that feeling for a musical. There’s some creative choices in this film that were quite beautiful, and very unique.…

  119. A
    Atherton 7 月 26, 2026

    I wish New York was real…. Yes I heard you, did you say the hippodrome ? That’s all.

  120. C
    chaofilmclub 7 月 26, 2026

    “come along, specimen” i truly adore this era of movie-musicals where the emphasis was on the MUSICAL part. there are so many wide shots of the dancing with so many fewer cuts than we see today to emphasize the skill of the performers, there are these wonderful sets that literally could be used for a stage show, and everyone is tap dancing. can we bring back tap dancing?? why did we shelve it???? it’s SO delightful and i want wide…

  121. R
    Rach 7 月 25, 2026

    I remembered it being good but I didnt remember it being THIS GOOD !!

  122. ☆

    “I’ll tell ya when your voice changes, junior…” OMG I WANT TO BE CHASED OVER NEW YORK BY GENE KELLY IN A TIGHT SAILOR UNIFORM!

  123. J
    John M 7 月 25, 2026

    What an amazing cast, Gene Kelly ( I mean come on it’s Gene Kelly), Vera Ellen (hot as always) and MY GOAT FRANK SINATRA

  124. B
    Ber99 7 月 25, 2026

    Os movimentos de Gene Kelly e Vera-Ellen nesse envolver intimista que a dança proporciona durante o sonho romântico do marinheiro apaixonado, tudo isso após essa dinâmica teatral encantadora e que tira o fôlego do espectador, ao passearmos por Nova York junto desses personagens tão cativantes, onde incontáveis histórias acontecem e se repetem, nos sentimos ligados a esse dia que os marinheiros aproveitam. Ainda que encantadora essa paixão intensa desenvolvida por essa dinâmica, o que mais me encanta é como Nova…

    2
  125. A
    Alex Blackwood 7 月 25, 2026

    Boy I wish I were on shore leave

  126. G
    george_mcevoy16 7 月 25, 2026

    Really fun movie thats not really spoken about enough.

  127. L
    lydialamejor25 7 月 24, 2026

    Tengo el mismo sofá que la taxista en el animal crossing

  128. A
    andie 7 月 24, 2026

    very fun when it’s not being profoundly stupid

  129. C
    Cubed 7 月 24, 2026

    meh. some good dances though

  130. B
    bethany 7 月 22, 2026

    i am now realising i have never seen frank sinatra’s face before

    1
  131. M
    mafaldoom 7 月 22, 2026

    girls only want one thing: gene kelly

  132. G
    Gustavo Campelo 7 月 21, 2026

    Divertido, belíssimo (Technicolor é top 3 invenções aplicadas ao cinema). Gene Kelly e Sinatra sempre incríveis, as moças incríveis, principalmente Vera-Ellen e Ann Miller. Nova York no final dos anos 40 é um negócio estonteante.

  133. Y
    yaelweinfeld 7 月 21, 2026

    I need to stop watching old movies bc i get depressed that i didn’t live in that era but then i remember i wouldn’t have frank ocean so i snap back into it On a real note though it’s crazy how talented the actors were like everyone had to be a triple threat

  134. K
    Kino 7 月 20, 2026

    New favorite movie unlocked. Also, Walgreens jump-scare.

  135. L
    Lauren 7 月 20, 2026

    This was fine but forgettable. Dream ballet sequence was my favorite

    2
  136. C
    cinemagazine 7 月 19, 2026

    “‘On the Town’ belichaamt alles wat de gouden eeuw van de Hollywoodmusical zo bijzonder maakte: aanstekelijke muziek, indrukwekkende choreografieën, kleurrijke decors en een luchtige, romantische sfeer waarin je je moeiteloos laat meevoeren.” cinemagazine.nl/on-the-town-1949-recensie/

    1
  137. J
    jacksoon 7 月 19, 2026

    Found this dvd at the back of the draw so decided to watch. Fun and silly, with some questionable moments, but overall a good time. Favourite part is the ‘on the town’ sequence.

  138. S
    soph 7 月 18, 2026

    before before before sunrise sunrise sunrise

  139. W
    wenesuznx 7 月 18, 2026

    In the town where I was born Lived a man who sailed to sea And he told us of his life In the land of submarines

  140. S
    Sophie 🩰 7 月 18, 2026

    Bring back Technicolor I’m so serious.

  141. J
    JIDELREY 7 月 17, 2026

    Clasicazo… Ayyy Bernardino muy inocentona pero tiene su encanto. Alegre y amable.

  142. T
    Thea 7 月 17, 2026

    Enjoyable. ‘Prehistoric Man’ was probably my favorite number (Ann Miller’s dancing is incredible! Although parts of it aged… not well) and Gene Kelly is always a treat to watch. As funny as it was to see Frank Sinatra get hardcore objectified by Hildy, I could have probably done without his parts.

  143. L
    Lily 7 月 17, 2026

    I’m not one to like musicals, but this is just too damn whimsical and humorous to complain about any of that 🤷‍♀️ I too burst into song about finding modern men drab, and wanting a stone age heathen.

  144. H
    hepahe 7 月 17, 2026

    I remember seeing this on a movie channel in my teens and being mesmerized, igniting my love for Gene Kelly films. It’s definitely the better one of the Kelly/Sinatra shore leave movies, although there’s few good songs and plot makes little sense. I love how Sinatra is a FUCKING NERD in these. Both Kelly and Sinatra are too old for their roles but I don’t care!! Please give me a 10 minute Kelly dance sequence any day!!

    1
  145. M
    michaelavolpe 7 月 16, 2026

    They all 6 have a kitchen table poly situation and they all sleep in a giant bed with lil matching pjs and I won’t hear different. Deeply charming truly wondrous and so beautiful! Movie three of our New York movie day!

    2
  146. G
    Guillermixx 7 月 16, 2026

    ¡New York, New York! No soy fan de los musicales, pero este es maravilloso. Tour gratis por la Nueva York de los años cincuenta, por sus lugares más emblemáticos y por sus salas de baile. Los directores consiguen sacar a la gran ciudad con una belleza al alcance de muy pocos. Grandes números musicales de los protagonistas. Me encantan todos los momentos de humor de la película, hacen que sea mucho más ligera y divertida. No he podido parar de…

  147. R
    Rachel Rinehart 7 月 16, 2026

    This was so silly and fun but I just know Gene Kelly was pissed about Frank Sinatra’s dancing

  148. A
    Adriana⋆˙⟡♡ 7 月 15, 2026

    Spent most of the movie goofy smiling oh gene kelly I just adore you. Everyone in this movie is super freaked out too lmfao, what a time! The women of this film were so so charming and funny!! They stole the show from gene kelly and frank sinatra of all people hello!!! Some musical numbers dragged a bit, the musical in a musical scene wasn’t needed and the prehistoric man number was ohhhh that’s not 😭 but I still really liked this overall, can we all be fun and whimsical again films used to be so colorful and vibrant

    3
  149. G
    g.macrazy 7 月 15, 2026

    NEY YORK NEW YORK

  150. M
    maya 7 月 15, 2026

    no es peli de gene kelly si no tiene la secuencia de 20 minutos resumiendo todo besaba el marco de la puerta he’s on some real lover shit

  151. S
    scoobydupe 7 月 14, 2026

    Prehistoric penis song

  152. P
    paola 7 月 14, 2026

    wait I loved this

  153. C
    clémence 7 月 14, 2026

    I love gene kelly sm

  154. R
    Robertitoe 7 月 14, 2026

    Classic old movie random thoughts: – If they remade this with mike feist somewhere in there it would be the greatest movie of all time – I think is more an achievement in human physicality than it is of art or storytelling. – I respect the hornie cabbie just going up to frank sinatra and professing her love. – never been to new york, knows everything about new york. NERD! – Man white supremacy was really yikes – This song…

  155. M
    Mohamed Tayfoun 7 月 14, 2026

    فيلم لطيف وثلاثية جين وجوليس وفرانك سيناترا، مع بيتي غاريت وآن ميلر وفيرا إلين، كانت لذيذة وطلعت شوية كوميديا حلوين.. حتى أليس بيرس اللي كان ظهورها قليل سابت بصمة تخليك فاكر الكام مشهد بتوعها جوا الفيلم.

  156. J
    Jamie Nicholson 7 月 13, 2026

    Finally, a strong Hungarian woman in film

  157. I
    INEZ 7 月 12, 2026

    i love you ann miller

  158. S
    shea mcdonl 7 月 12, 2026

    “Hilda can tell you, I’m just a streetcar named impulsive!”

  159. F
    Frank Scordo 7 月 12, 2026

    79/100 I just want to start with the premise of the movie is that sea men are on land and just want to get girls. Except Sinatra, who wants to go sight seeing in New York. A man with a blatant New Jersey/New York accent wants to sight see in New York. He clearly didn’t want to be one of the hound dogs. So in that aspect he’s miscast in this film. On the other hand, he clearly was trying…

    1
  160. M
    MightyEmprex 7 月 12, 2026

    So I shouldnt like this ,but honestly this is very charming.Coulda done without Frank Sinatra being sexually harrassed or Ivy lying for no good reason but the songs are a ton of fun as is the comraderie that develops between the sailors and girls First film in Stanley Donen director filmography ,anf gotta say ita a decent start

    1
  161. R
    Rob Levin 7 月 12, 2026

    This movie is funny and horny and sweet, and Gene Kelly’s first two kisses are with a man and a door frame, respectively. Didn’t realize I kind of knew the opening number because of The Simpsons. Super fun with one extremely problematic scene. Also felt very tripped out by the time super titles because I didn’t expect anything even vaguely digital-looking in 1949. But you know what still looks great? Technicolor.

    1
  162. K
    kevinlig 7 月 12, 2026

    The implication that this happens every day is hilarious

  163. D
    damiiir 7 月 12, 2026

    the more i watch gene kelly movies the clearer it is that he’s a true goat. truly one of the great hollywood artists. a banger!!

  164. E
    Emma Rappold 7 月 11, 2026

    watched this with my elderly friends ❣️

  165. M
    MrPopcornMovies 7 月 11, 2026

    Old-school NYC looks amazing

  166. M
    mslindsey93 7 月 11, 2026

    Really talented dancing and of course, singing. Listening to Frank Sinatra’s croon will never get old. The female characters had strong and independent personalities which was admirable. I loved the tap dancing and the classic musical style. Just not my favorite musical though. I knew nothing about this movie going into it, just thought I’d give it a try. The plot had trouble holding my attention whenever it wasn’t a musical number.

  167. V
    vivienneg 7 月 10, 2026

    forgot 2 log. a streetcar named impulsive honey

  168. M
    MB 7 月 10, 2026

    One of the great bookended final scenes.

  169. J
    Jackie 7 月 10, 2026

    While watching this I suddenly got transported back to May 24, 2011. I was watching Glee Season 2, Episode 22 (the season finale), and “I Love New York/New York, New York” is being sang by the Glee cast.

  170. D
    delilah 7 月 8, 2026

    if some of the songs in your musical are by leonard bernstein DON’T BOTHER adding any songs that aren’t by him it’s not worth it. Unless of course they are about wanting to fuck a caveman

  171. B
    BarryRo 7 月 8, 2026

    Not my first viewing, but it was a real treat to watch this film at an outdoor screening at Battery Park (…and the Battery’s down…) with an enthusiastic crowd on a perfect Summer evening. Great fun had by all, particularly in the opening montage with the title song and trying to imagine how the boys could get from the Brooklyn Navy Yard to all of those places from 6am to 9:30! One number that I hadn’t previously appreciated as much…

  172. A
    Alexander Elmore 7 月 8, 2026

    Cutting the songs “I Can Cook, Too”, “Lonely Town”, and “Some Other Time” in addition to so many of the original ballets is a crime against culture. No wonder Bernstein boycotted the film. We watched this in Battery Park though and that is awesome! It also featured a pre-show of some of the show’s last revival company singing “New York, New York”.

  173. I
    iluvdox 7 月 8, 2026

    What an wonderful city this movie took place in.

  174. P
    paydayz 7 月 8, 2026

    Super fun. My favorite of any of the oldies movies I’ve watched. The dancing and singing was just a grand time and I love the North Atlantic accent. Gene Kelly was fab 💃 Great viewing set up outside post fleet week

  175. J
    jannevdbos 7 月 8, 2026

    new york, new york, its a helluvatown!!! outside screening in battery park = perfection

    1
  176. M
    myla 7 月 2, 2026

    and so what if I still think young frank sinatra is kinda maybe cute

  177. T
    tblarone 5 月 2, 2026

    Three men desperately try to get laid with song an dance.

  178. K
    Katie Keener 3 月 5, 2026

    Light and effervescent, with plenty of bubbly musical numbers to keep things moving at a steady clip. My one qualm is that I wasn’t overly invested in most of the central romances, but that’s just a tiny quibble.

    1
  179. J
    johanlefourbe 12 月 7, 2013

    Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of musicals but since this movie is a classic, I thought I might as well give it a try. As a matter of fact, a couple of weeks ago, I finally managed to read (most of) a book about movies my wife bought for me and, in this book, they developed some interesting theories about musicals. Indeed, according to the writer, back in those days, there was a really rigid production code in the…

Write a Review

My rating

G Gene Kelly Gabey
F Frank Sinatra Chip
B Betty Garrett Brunhilde Esterhazy
A Ann Miller Claire Huddesen
J Jules Munshin Ozzie
V Vera-Ellen Ivy Smith
F Florence Bates Madame Dilyovska
A Alice Pearce Lucy Schmeeler
G George Meader Professor
M Murray Alper Cab Company Owner (uncredited)
B Bette Arlen "Day in New York" Ballet Dancer (uncredited)
A Anne Beck Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
B Bea Benaderet Brooklyn Girl on Subway (uncredited)
G Gladys Blake Brooklyn Girl on Subway (uncredited)
E Eugene Borden Waiter (uncredited)
L Leonard Bremen Spectator (uncredited)
D Don Brodie Photo Layout Man (uncredited)
R Ralph Brooks Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
C Claire Carleton Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
P Peter Chong Bartender (uncredited)
Director Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly
Writer Adolph Green, Betty Comden
Producer Arthur Freed, Roger Edens
Editor Ralph E. Winters
Original Music Leonard Bernstein, Roger Edens, Lennie Hayton
Sound Douglas Shearer
Special Effects Warren Newcombe
Art Direction Cedric Gibbons, Jack Martin Smith
Synopsis
Three sailors wreak havoc as they search for love during a whirlwind 24-hour leave in New York City.
Director
Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly
Writer
Adolph Green, Betty Comden
Studio
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Country
USA
Language
English
Year
1949
Runtime
98 mins

View all genres »

  • USA08 Dec 1949
  • USA30 Dec 1949
  • UK10 Jan 1950
  • Brazil24 Feb 1950
  • France17 May 1950
  • Portugal08 Feb 1951
  • Japan24 Aug 1951
  • Austria26 Oct 1951
  • Netherlands26 Jan 2004