Girl O' My Dreams

It's surprising to find that this very pleasant entry in the college musical cycle is not better known. Not only does it feature a reasonably amusing screenplay by George Waggner which provides splendid comic opportunities for Sterling Holloway, Arthur Lake, Lon Chaney, Jr and a host of beautiful girls, but it introduces some excellent musical numbers.

Oddly, it's Lon Chaney, Jr, who runs off with the movie's histrionic honors (though closely pursued by Eddie Nugent). I've never seen Lon look more handsome or give a more delightfully charming performance, completely free of his usual heavily theatrical mannerisms and amateurish delivery. One suspects that the agreeably light touch he gives his role was entirely his own invention, as the other performances (most particularly by Lake and Cleveland) tend to be more broad. (Not that I'm being critical. It's just that Chaney deftly delivers a very nice contrast).

Director McCarey has handled this assignment with commendable aplomb. Even brother Leo could not have done better. The photography is likewise very attractive. In fact production values are far superior to the usual run of Monogram B's.