Finian's Rainbow (1968 film)

Finian's Rainbow is a 1968 American musical fantasy film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It is an adaptation of the 1947 Broadway musical of the same name, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by E.Y. "Yip" Harburg. The film stars Fred Astaire, Petula Clark, and Tommy Steele.

The plot revolves around Finian McLonergan, an Irishman who steals a leprechaun's crock of gold and immigrates to the fictional Rainbow Valley in Missitucky, a racially integrated community in the American South. He hopes to bury the gold near Fort Knox, believing it will multiply. The leprechaun, Og, follows him to retrieve his gold, which, if not returned to its rightful owner, will eventually turn him mortal.

Themes explored in the film include racism, bigotry, greed, and the clash between traditional Irish folklore and American culture. The score includes popular songs like "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?", "Look to the Rainbow," and "Old Devil Moon."

The film was a box office disappointment and received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its visual style and musical numbers, while others criticized its handling of racial issues and its deviation from the source material. Despite its initial reception, Finian's Rainbow has garnered a cult following over the years and is noted for its unique blend of fantasy, musical, and social commentary. The film is also notable for being one of Fred Astaire's last major musical film roles.