"Daddy Long Legs" was originally filmed back in 1919 and it starred Mary Pickford. I saw this film and enjoyed it very much--giving the film a score of 8. In 1955, Twentieth Century-Fox released a new version--a musical starring Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron. Is it as good as the original or better? The film's plot is very similar. A rich guy (Astaire) notices a sweet orphan (Caron) and is so captivated by her, he arranges to send her off to school and make her a woman. However, this is all done without revealing who her benefactor is. Eventually, the man falls in love with her and,...well, you see the rest.

"Daddy Long Legs" (1955) has two major problems. First, seeing a middle-aged Fred Astaire falling for a MUCH younger Caron is pretty creepy--especially in light of their relationship. Second, and I am surprised by this, but the musical numbers SEVERELY hampered the film--often derailing the plot. Many of these songs are pretty bad and the film lacks the wonderful dance numbers you'd expect in an Astaire film. Overall, I say see the 1919 version. Despite being a silent, it's a delight. The 1955 version is anything but a delight.

Daddy Long Legs had a lot going for it, it's based on a lovely book, Fred Astaire is one of the greats in the dance world and Leslie Caron has always been a charming performer. And it doesn't disappoint as a film on its own merits while being a tad disappointing for some book fans.

Visually, Daddy Long Longs looks absolutely great, with elegant costumes(in colour and in style),lavish photography and colourful settings and scenery. The songs range from pleasant to wonderful, apart from the rather silly and forgettable(sometimes annoying too) Welcome Egghead. The unforgettably beautiful Something Gotta Give is the highlight. The choreography is constantly full of energy and grace, both of which are sustained right until the last number. Sluefoot dazzles in its choreography and often deliciously funny while showing off Astaire and Caron's strengths as dancers brilliantly, while the ballet sequences are wonderfully dream-like. The script is fresh and witty, there are funny, poignant and warm-hearted moments galore, the film is directed with real class, meticulous eye for detail and a light-hearted touch and the characters have a lot of engaging charm.

All the performances are right on the money, Fred Astaire is cast perfectly and dances an absolute dream and Leslie Caron is an immensely enchanting leading lady. The 30-year age gap is a bother for some, it's the thing that Daddy Long Legs is most criticised for, but not for me, because the chemistry is actually really endearing, Astaire and Caron work beautifully together and their performances carry the film beautifully. They are supported by an excellent supporting cast, a delightful Thelma Ritter is particularly impressive(almost a scene-stealer in fact),her charm and comic timing irresistible, but Fred Clark and Larry Keating play with gusto and are no less memorable and likewise with a likable Terry Moore.

Not much lets down Daddy Long Legs actually. My only complaints actually are the rather tissue-thin and sometimes too simple story, which sometimes drags and gave the film a slightly overlong feel, and the lengthy final ballet, which- while impeccably danced and choreographed with the right amount of dreaminess- it does go on too long, grinds the film to a halt and felt a little overblown.

In summary, a very nice film and a treat for fans of Astaire and Caron. 8/10 Bethany Cox

How terribly sad that during such a delightful and romantic film, Fred Astaire was mourning the death of his wife. "Daddy Long Legs" is a sweet film with an utterly charming performance, in words and dance, by Leslie Caron, and Astaire's usual high-class, debonair, energetic work.

Thelma Ritter and Larry Keating give fantastic support, and in looking over the cast list, I see that a future dance partner of Astaire's, the wonderful Barrie Chase, is an uncredited dancer.

My only complaint is that the movie is on the long side, with the final dance being not only terribly long, but just one dance sequence too many.

The highlight of the film for me was definitely "Sluefoot." A fantastic number! I noticed one hilarious comment about an "uncredited appearance by Cary Grant." I remember my mom telling me how much Ray Anthony resembled Grant - I guess she was right!