Boobirt
Stylish but barely mediocre overall
Tayyab Torres
Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.
Payno
I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
JohnHowardReid
This talkative Sonja Henie musical comedy is saddled with a cornball script by Leonard Praskins and Mark Kelly. In addition to its so-so comedy routines, it also features a number of musical numbers directed by Jack Haskell. Other credits are likewise inviting, but don't actually amount to anything much, even though Sidney Lanfield was the director and Raymond Griffith, the producer. Alas, for some unknown reason, this movie is well below their best work. In fact, it could justly be described as a completely undistinguished programmer, that manages to end up as a really terrible waste of a talented support cast led by Adolphe Menjou, Arline Judge, Don Ameche, Ned Sparks, Dixie Dunbar and Montagu Love.
Air America
It would be well to remember Sonia Henie as the prototype ice performer in her day. It would also be well to remember the times this film was made. Certainly it is devoid of all of the special effects and layers of pictorial events contained in todays films (which, by the way, are entirely unrealistic to us who are knowledgeable.) Of course the script follows mid 1930s writing and I did not find any of the actors giving less than other of their performances of the times. Given that this was Sonia's first film, her acting must be given some forgiveness there, though I did not see what others apparently viewed as less than optimal. As to the "other 1936 Olympics film," it was merely a propaganda documentary and therefore not a comparison by any means.As to Sonia's universal appeal, she went on to make many such films, and was known as a very smart businesswoman who went on to build great riches from investments and was the benefactor of many philanthropic ventures which was virtually unknown among actors of that era. On the strength of her appeal alone, I would rate her among the great women actresses of the time. I would recommend this film to any families who want wholesome "G" rated entertainment shown to their children.
David (Handlinghandel)
This is a truly unappealing movie. The humor is as broad as a barn. The Ritz Brothers? Well, apparently they have their fans. Count me as not one (on just this one viewing.) I had never seen Sonja Henie before tonight. Her skating is certainly good but kind of dull to watch. I guess this was her debut so no comment on her acting skills. Now, about that Olympic Games she is preparing for .... Didn't someone named Leni do a whole movie about those games? A very good movie but extremely controversial Games? Adolph Menjou could never carry a movie. He was a reliably capable performer. The same goes for Don Ameche, whose best is "Midnight." Arline Judge is amusing here. But is that a reason to sit through an hour and a half of pratfalls, corny jokes, and clichés?
Kalaman
"One in a Million" is a cheery, lighthearted mix of comedy, romance, songs and ice skating dances, directed by Sidney Lanfield ("Sing, Baby, Sing"). It is an admirable vehicle and showcase for the Norwegian Olympic skating champion Sonja Henie in her American debut. The film derives some aspects from Sonja's career. Sonja plays an amateur Swiss skater who is discovered by an American theatrical troupe leader (Adolphe Menjou) and almost spoils her by putting in a professional show until a charismatic reporter (Don Ameche) rescues her and convinces her into making the right decision, leading to her spectacular performance at Madison Square Garden."One in a Million" is not one of the better Fox musicals, but there are enjoyably fine moments, including some very funny comic acts by the Ritz Brothers, especially toward the end, and one memorable musical number "Who's Afraid Of Love", sung by Ameche. Good stuff.
