HIT THE DECK has the notoriety as being one of the last, if not the last in an era of big splashy technicolor MGM musicals. The finale of the film with Ann Miller performing one of her big tap numbers backed by dozens of dancing sailors is the type of number which would become practically non-existent in films after HIT THE DECK. Ann Miller also takes off her tap shoes for one number in which she dances barefoot to a number called "Lady From the Bayou" backed by several barefoot men in jeans who seem to have only one thing on their minds. It would also be the last film in which Ann Miller would tap or dance after almost 20 years of displaying her tapping ability in films. HIT THE DECK was also Jane Powell's final performance at MGM after starring in an endless string of big budget technicolor MGM musicals showcasing her soprano singing style. Although the film is a pleasant enough time filler with several tuneful Vincent Youman melodies the script (and even the acting) is rather pedestrian and doesn't serve the talent that MGM had to work with in this film. Handsome Tony Martin does what he does best in the singing department. Debbie Reynolds plays her usual ingenue role while adding her pleasant singing voice to the proceedings. Other recognizable faces entertain you including Vic Damon, Russ Tamblyn, and Walter Pidgeon. I have given HIT THE DECK four stars for its dependable MGM form of bright entertainment. However, it lacks the five star quality usually given to film musicals that can incorporate a viable plot with musicals numbers. Still, those who are fans of this musical genre will be pleasingly entertained by this stable of MGM stars who are assigned do what they do best.