The Yellow Canary

"The Yellow Canary", movie is the story of a singer who's baby is kidnapped. The best acting in the film is from Barbara Eden in one of her best dramatic roles of Lissa Paxton, the wife of the singer and mother of the baby son who's kidnapped. The reaction when she comes home and finds her baby son kidnapped is one of the best scenes in the film. A good mystery and story from Rod Serling.

It's a shame that this film gets trashed all the time by critics, when it's really a fine Rod Serling movie. Boone, Eden, and Forrest give nice performances in this little mystery. I sure wish that I could find a copy of it on VHS, but I don't think it's ever been released on video. Maybe someday.

Though it has been well over 40 years since I saw "The Yellow Canary," my recollection is that it was a very good movie. What I specifically remember is a stand out performance by Pat Boone. So much so, I did not remember Barbara Eden's part in it. Boone spent most of his movie career in singing roles (e.g, State Fair) and/or more-or-less simplistic teen movies (e.g., "April Love," "Bernadine"). In this film, however, he provided a more than passable effort as a serious actor. It seems unfortunate he did not pursue more such roles, though he may have suffered from management that stifled his potential, much like happened to Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker's control of his career. It would be interesting to see the film today, and find out if the years have enhanced my memory or if, in fact, it's as good as I remember.

I was a fan of Kenyon Hopkins, who wrote the music. Came across the soundtrack album at an Army post exchange on a mono LP and bought it. I've been curious ever since about the movie. Big stars Pat Boone, Jack Klugman, Barbara Eden, big name screenwriter, a favorite composer. Someone saw fit to produce a music soundtrack album and press LP records for sale. My rating is based purely on the music soundtrack.

Where is this movie? I've searched the usual places, but all I've found so far have been well known scammers. We now have probably 50 streaming movie/tv services. You'd think someone would find this and run it!

Hey Amazon, how about it. If not for Prime, how about for FeeVee? There might be a whole new generation waiting to discover Pat Boone!

Competent but not extraordinary thriller is interesting for several elements.

First it gives Pat Boone a chance to play a slightly less savory character than his candy coated image usually allowed. I'm not much of a fan of the actor but he does a good job as the initially self involved singer who is a neglectful husband and father but basically decent man who gets an unexpected wake-up call when his infant son is kidnapped. The script also presents a few instances for him to sing without disturbing the flow of the story.

Barbara Eden, quite the knockout, was still a couple of years away from I Dream of Jeannie and working her way up the leading lady chain. Her role doesn't offer much opportunity outside frantic anguish but she handles the requirements well. Also on hand, though given little to do, is Jack Klugman as the police inspector on the case adding another solid portrayal to the film.

As for the general story while it has several plot holes that stretch believability it is overall an enjoyably put together nail-biter. A real benefit comes from the effective and evocative musical score provided by Kenyon Hopkins. It adds a great deal of tension and snap to scenes that could have otherwise been flat.

Not a long lost classic but an under-known worthwhile entertainment. Hard to find but if you happen upon it take the time to give it a chance.