Three Hearts for Julia

Did you love the 1940 comedy Third Finger, Left Hand? Are you looking for something extremely similar to watch on a rainy afternoon? Look no further than Three Hearts for Julia, another romantic comedy starring Melvyn Douglas, and backed by Lee Bowman and Felix Bressart. In this one, Mel makes a surprise entrance upon his female companion, who is an ardent career woman, and has to compete against Lee, who's been making headway during his absence, and ultimately receives some sage advice from Felix, the funny foreigner who's wiser than he seems. Sound familiar? There are very few differences between the two movies, so it's a sure bet if you liked one, you'll like the other.

In place of Myrna Loy, Ann Sothern is Mel's abandoned wife, who's focused on her career as a violinist in an orchestra while he's been an overseas war reporter. Lee Bowman is given just as little character development as before, but merely serves as a rival suitor. Felix plays a Hungarian conductor, brought in as a special guest, who ends up giving marital advice to both Ann and Mel. While I love his hidden talents brought forth in many of his movies, Felix shows off his musical skills in Three Hearts for Julia. A doctor, multilingual, a dramatic and comedic actor, and now a musician! Most of the orchestral scenes show Felix up close, and he nails his conducting in every shot.

If you like Mel's comic timing, Ann's charming insecurity, or movies that feature large swatches of classical music, rent this one. It's pretty good, and no one knows about it so you can be the first to spread it around to your friends.