"Classic Musicals From The Dream Factory Volume 3" is not the most original (or best) collection of musicals out there. In fact, most of the films contain throwaway plots that have been done better in other films. For instance, "Born To Dance" and "Hit The Deck" are both sub-par musicals about sailors on leave finding strikingly beautiful ladies and falling in love with them. If I wanted to see a musical about sailors in love, I’d much rather watch the delightful "On The Town" with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. At least that movie doesn’t have Jimmy Stewart singing dreadfully like in "Born To Dance," nor does it have silly over the top musical numbers called "Hallelujah" like in "Hit The Deck."

Also included on this set are a couple of Jane Powell musicals ("Nancy Goes To Rio" and "Two Weeks With Love"). I wish I could be more positive about these two, but ‘Nancy’ is an overly talky backstage dramatic musical, while ‘Love’ is a sappy fairy tale love story about women going on vacation and falling in love. Did I mention "Two Weeks With Love" also happens to contain songs that seriously hurt my ears? The only memorable aspect of these two films is an appearance by Carmen Miranda in ‘Rio’ and a charming performance by Kahn…I mean Ricardo Montalban in ‘Love.’

If you’re looking for a musical with a plot slightly different than the others, there are three to choose from. The problem is, none of them are what I would call "Good." "Lady Be Good" boasts some note worthy performances by Lionel Barrymore and Red Skelton, but this so-called musical about songwriters/lovers trying to make their relationship work is more melodramatic than anything else. "Deep In My Heart," which is a biopic of piano composer Sigmund Romberg, is the least corny and silly of the musicals, but it lacks screen presence and is a bit too serious at times. There is one highlight, however, which is a joyous song and dance number with Gene Kelly and his brother Fred Kelly in his only film role. Finally, we have "Kismet," which is an utter mess. The story follows the ups and downs of a poor poet and his daughter in an "Arabian Nights" like setting. While the colorful, detailed and expensive looking costumes, palace and market place sets are first rate, it doesn’t hide the fact that not a single actor or actress is believable in their role (especially Howard Keel). This is truly a case of style over substance.

Of course, there is one saving grace here and that is the Oscar nominated "Broadway Melody Of 1936." Sure, the plot about getting a Broadway show off the ground isn’t groundbreaking, but the songs (namely "Broadway Melody," "Broadway Rhythm" and "You Are My Lucky Star") are instant classics, and the dance numbers are well worth viewing. I wish I could say the same for "Broadway Melody Of 1938," which is more or less a retread of 36. The only difference is the songs and dance numbers are nowhere near as good, and the plot revolves a woman trying to win a horse race in order to fund and star in a Broadway show.