I always feel slightly traitorous when I watch this version of Kiss Me, Kate. I grew up listening to the Broadway recording with Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel. I sang along with alto Ann Miller on her songs. I loved the slightly naughty songs. When I watched a locally produced version, I could see it all so clearly. That version was the one I loved

Sadly, I was disappointed with the original movie released in 1953. When I finally got it on DVD, while the voices were wonderful, the songs had been bowdlerized and moved.

Then I saw this revival on TV. My faith was restored. Here were the songs I knew and loved. However, some part of me still yearned for Keel's voice.

This movie has all the naughtiness of the original stage version. It makes me laugh with all its silliness and wit. And Brent Barrett and Rachel York do admirable jobs with the songs. York, in particular, captured me with her portrayal of Kate.

If you like musicals or have ever seen the play on stage and want those songs, then this is the version for you. It is stellar. I watch it more often than the 1953 film because of the songs, staging, and York's performance. ( )