Review of One in a Million

The first of a series of musical romances over the next decade that centered around the ice skating or skiing of Norway's Sonja Henie. Most of these films included at least one charismatic supporting talent, in addition to a leading man to become her paramour. Here, we have the up and coming leading man Don Ameche as her new beau. He exuded easy charm, looks, and a good singing voice. Former big band singer Leah Ray was the lead female singer in several songs......Adolphe Menjou, as Ted Spencer, was the ever present owner and promoter of a traveling girl's band, traveling in Switzerland, which soon added comedic talent in the form of the Ritz Brothers, and Borrah Minevitch, with his harmonica rascals. Lastly, Adolphe added Sonja and other ice skaters to his shows.......The first part of the film is relatively tame, introducing the various characters. At first, Adolphe fails to grasp the importance of Sonja winning the 1936 Olympic skiing gold metal(Never mind that, in reality, she had already won that honor in the previous 2 Olympics!). Adolphe wants her to join his program immediately, until his wife, Billie(Arline Judge) points out the long term benefit of having a lead skater who can claim to be an Olympic champion. Unfortunately, her participation in an exposition sponsored by Adolphe seemed to jeopardize her status as an amateur, even though she personally didn't receive any money or other perks. This issue would again crop up after she had apparently won the title. The authorities went back and forth as to whether this disqualified her, until it was decided this didn't mark her as a professional skater........The three Ritz brothers put on 2 appearances on ice. In the first, they are dressed up as Charles Laughton(playing Cpt. Bligh), Boris Karloff(playing Frankenstein's monster), and Peter Lorre, respectively. They clown around, singing some wacky songs. Later, during the post-Olympic show, 2 don a bull partial costume, and the third is dressed as a matador. They then have a wacky bull fight on ice skates........Before Sonja skates for the title, Leah Ray sings the best song in the movie: "Who's Afraid of Love". Ameche then follows with his rendition, which is clearly directed at blushing Sonja. Then, Minevitch and his harmonica rascals comically play a variety of songs, which may be too long for you. Previously, Minevitch, alone, had played his harmonica on several occasions......After winning the title, Sonja tells Adolphe she wants to compete in the 1940 Olympics, instead of joining his troupe. But, he says, if that's the case, he will bring up her participation in his exposition, which may disqualify her for the present Olympics, as well as the ones in 1940. She toes the line, and joins his show in Madison Square Garden. ...... The film was a hit with contemporary audiences. But, today, Olympic skaters can do some more difficult tricks, and we see it in color. But, if you want to see the lady who started the modern age of show ice skating, check out one or two of her films. Although seldom shown on TV, nearly all her films are currently available on expensive DVDs. A few, including this one, are also available free, at YouTube. I prefer Sun Valley Serenade, which has the big advantage of including Glenn Miller's orchestra, in a rare film appearance. However, it more features her skiing than ice skating. That film is currently available at YouTube.