If you're not tapping your toe at the opening credits of Top o' the Morning, you must not have Irish blood in your veins. And if you're not Irish, you won't be able to enjoy this movie nearly as much as everyone else will. My fellow Irishmen and women, rent this adorable flick!
In a small, eventless Irish town, there's a huge uproar when local cop Barry Fitzgerald finds out the Blarney Stone has been stolen. Everyone's eager to be the hero and find it, but when American Bing Crosby comes to town, there's a bit of a distraction. Not only is he charming, and fresh meat, but everything he does seems to be fulfilling a prophecy. . . Sound ominous? Don't worry, it's a romantic prophecy!
While searching for the Blarney Stone and making friends with Barry, Bing starts to fall for Barry's daughter, Ann Blyth. Their courtship scenes are too cute; if all you've seen her in is Mildred Pierce, you'll be surprised by how sweet she is in this movie. In one scene, she confides to Bing that every Irish girl prays to be sent a man. He gives her the perfect come-on: "Where do I get in line? Honey, you're getting some action already!" In another, she tells him she's been kissed 67 times and says another girl in the village, Abby, has had 81 kisses. Bing leans in asks, "Would you like me to help you shatter the record?" Then, just before the kiss, he says, "Abby, you're through." I just love Bing!
So, with tons of Irish songs thrown in for Bing and Ann to sing, an entertaining plot, and an irresistible romance, you can't go wrong with this movie. Try it next St. Patrick's Day for bonus points!
