10/10
A really fun movie
25 August 2001
This is my favorite Deanna Durbin movie. She just glows in her role as Ann Carter. Her singing is gorgeous, move over Pavarotti! I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer who states it is an example of "script by committee". It's a moot point, ALL scripts were "made by committee" in the Golden Days of Hollywood, and sometimes other people's input can be invaluable to add spice to a script that would otherwise be lackluster.

There is lots of everything a lover of old time musicals would enjoy in this film: comedy bits by the "Sunshine twins" (singing "Is It True What They Say About Dixie?"), and the chemistry between "The Boys" (the other butlers of different nationalities who are all in love with Ann), beautiful music, including the original "In The Spirit Of The Moonlight" and the classics "When You're Away" (Victor Herbert), a rousing number of Russian folk songs including "Two Guitars" that Deanna sings beautifully in Russian, and an English version of "None Must Sleep" (Nessun Dorma). Music to melt you. And very nice chemistry between Deanna and Franchot.

If there hadn't been a Judy Garland, Deanna Durbin would be much better remembered today, and this film is one of her finest vehicles. Believe me, you can purchase a lot of videos of old movies based on "script by committee" that do not compare to the pleasure that this one provides.
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