This is one of our favorite movies! Recorded it on dvd and watch it every once in awhile. I am sure the critics panned it at the time (any movie the critics pan will usually be good!) for the reason you said. But for us that is part of the cute part of the movie, seeing how they try to make up Ginger Rodgers like a young girl!
Did you read this review? Bosley Crowther certainly liked it.