My Blue Heaven

Can't remember much about the movie, except my parents were a little disgusted at some of the dialogue. One that stands out: Grable and Dailey, a married couple, announced she was pregnant.

At a party (or something)where they announced the news, somebody said something like, "Well, we had better go because they probably want to be alone."

To which David Wayne, in whatever role he was playing, said, "Listen, if what these two kids said is true, they've been alone."

That was one pretty risque line for 1950. Would that dialogue today were as tame as that.

This TCF production looks like an attempt to update the standard 40's musical. Instead of romantic youngsters, there's Grable and Dailey as a mature married couple; and in place of the usual wispy storyline is a surprisingly biting one; while banal dialog is peppered with risqué throw-away lines; and most topically, there's that new-fangled livingroom monster, television. On the whole, however, the combination doesn't go down well.

For one, the main plot thread simply doesn't lend itself to light-hearted entertainment. Ping-ponging adoptive babies back and forth, plus an auto accident, is the stuff of dramatics, not fluff, and leads to abrupt interruptions in mood. Sure, Grable gets to show some acting chops, which I expect was the intention, but it comes at the expense of overall results. Then too, the musical numbers are forgettable, to say the least. But at least, big-budget TCF mounts them in splashy Technicolor keeping the eye entertained even when the ear isn't. And I agree with the reviewer who thinks the vibrant young Mitzi Gaynor steals the show. She's clearly on her way up the Hollywood ladder.

Anyway, Dailey and Grable hoof and warble well enough. But, unfortunately, the movie comes across as two Hollywood vets doing their best with difficult material, yet only partially succeeding.

The songs and dances are wonderful! Kitty and Jack are actors so when they sing/perform there are scenery and wardrobes that go along with the songs, making it less like an ordinary "musical." The story itself is modern and realistic even for the time (like someone else mentioned some of the things they say may have been considered "risque.") If you like old movies or musicals, I recommend you find a way to see this! You'll never get these songs out of your head, and you probably wont want to either. A classic!

I grew up watching this movie over and over again. I wish that I could find another copy but it seems impossible. :( If any decides to release it again, let me know!

I got this as part of a 'boxed set' of Grable films, all delightful in their own way. This one (1950) had a few surprises. As others noted, maybe the censors were tiring of policing every little phrase & hint of sensuality, such that it is clear that Betty & her husband are quite happy as intimate partners and are trying to make a baby. The costumes and dances later in the film are daring for the time period, but quite tame compared to post-2000 flicks (and even the Pre-code stuff before 1933).

The technicolor was a delight and the musical portions were terrific-Dailey was more than equal as a dance partner, but retained a 'goofy husband' look, so we never take Mimi Gaynor's crush on him very seriously. We also see the impact of early TV on the entertainment culture, so-called, as Producers struggled to find talent that could be showcased on the new medium.

The couple suffer setbacks as they try to start a family, and I worried the tale would descend into a teary melodrama. Not so. Just stick with the story. Things turn around quickly, and our beloved couple dance their way to a satisfying conclusion.

8/10.

Mediocre musical. Kitty and Jack Moran (Betty Grable and Dan Dailey) try to adopt a baby. One complication after another pops up preventing them from doing that. These complications aren't funny--just pretty depressing (for a musical). These are all interspersed with bad music and dance numbers.

This is a pretty bad 1950 musical. The dialogue is terrible and all the songs are completely unmemorable. Also Dailey has a tendency to REALLY overact. But the movie is in bright Technicolor,there is a Halloween number that I enjoyed, the plot is pretty interesting and the dancing is incredible. Also David Wayne, Jane Wyatt and a very young Mitzi Gaynor are good in supporting roles. But Grable saves the picture. She's gorgeous, can sing and dance, has good chemistry with Dailey and holds her own in the dramatic scenes. She's basically the only good thing worth watching here. Aside from her this is a bad musical. I give it a 4.