Academy Vs Audience returns to 1951

Academy Vs Audience returns to 1951 for the last chapter of our Best of Munsi Parker-Munroe triptych, in which we learn the 50s had some messed up thoughts on what a “romantic male lead” was like. First up, Gene Kelley sings some Gershwin tunes and does some spectacular dances while stalking a teenager until she loves him back. Then Box Office Champion Quo Vadis says “hold my beer” as a Roman general tries to win over a hostage princess by… treating her like property and being angry she doesn’t go for it. And then it descends into Sunday School territory as Literal Saint Peter grinds the movie to a halt to remind us about Jesus. But at least Peter Ustinov is having some fun as Emperor Nero.

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