Isn't it Kinda Fun

In 1962 20th Century Fox was in serious trouble with 2 leading Ladies. Marlyn Monroe, who was THEIR star, trying to finish her last movie and Elizabeth Taylor whom they had "borrowed" from MGM for a Million Dollars. That highest ever fee then was just the beginning of their financial woes on Cleopatra.

Ann Margret was seen as a likely "replacement" for Monroe. They had others they were trying to foist--Kim Kovak, Shirley Knight both more blond. Ann could sing and dance though and they wanted that bombshell performance from Marlyn "happier" days as in Gentlemen Prefer Blonds.

Ann Margret was well trained as a dancer from childhood. She wasn't ever a "Dancer" like a Cyd Charisse but she had incredible "body language" and could "deliver" song & dance like few others.

This is really her first time at bat, in the remake of State Fair. Actually she delivered everything 20th Century could have expected. Marlyn however was NOT replaceable. Ann Margret went on to be her own star.