I'll See You in My Dreams

At first glance, I did not think that this combination (Doris Day & Danny Thomas) would be as compatible as some of Ms. Day's other co-stars. It was a wonderful surprise and a delight to find out just how wrong I was. The timing was impeccable and the ease with which they played off each other was great.

This musical bio of Gus Kahn, the "Corn Belt Bard," selected by New York's Radio City Music Hall as their Christmas presentation in 1951, is one movie you can just sit back and listen to. Doris Day sings one great song after another, while Kahn, the author of countless tunes from the title number to "Ain't We Got Fun" and "Makin' Whoopee," is portrayed by Danny Thomas, in his first screen role. Day is the "Song Plugger," who believes in his greatness and eventually marries him. A virtual survey of American popular music from the days of Tin Pan Alley, vaudeville, Broadway and early sound movies, the story is swept along by the expert direction of Michael Curtiz (YANKEE DOODLE DANDY, CASABLANCA et al.). Patrice Wymore (at one time married to Errol Flynn) does a wonderful turn as a singer in Florenz Ziegfeld's "Whoopee," performing "Carolina in the Morning" and "Love Me or Leave Me," with elan. It may be corn, but there is a nostalgic glow about the production that is most appealing.

In Chicago, the aspiring songwriter Gus Kahn (Danny Thomas) seeks out Miss Grace LeBoy (Doris Day) that works in a sheet music publisher and shows his lyrics expecting her assessment. The insistent Gus calls the attention of Grace and sooner she quits her job to help him in his career. They get married, Gus Kahn rises to the stardom and they have two children.

However, Gus Kahn loses his fortune in stock market crash in the Great Depression and the couple has serious financial difficulties. But behind every great man, there is a great woman and Grace encourages him to return to a successful career.

"I'll See You in My Dreams" is a delightful drama with the biography of the songwriter Gus Kahn and his beloved wife Grace LeBoy Kahn by Michael Curtiz. The story is very beautiful and Doris Day and Danny Thomas have magnificent performances and show wonderful chemistry.

The music score is fantastic and the moment when Gus Kahn sings "It Had to Be You" is heartwarming. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Sonharei com Você" ("I Will Dream of You")

This is the kind of Hollywoodized biography of a famous composer that springs to life whenever DORIS DAY sings one of those warm and tender melodies. It's Day, at her perkiest, who makes the film rather than DANNY THOMAS, who simply lacked the screen charisma a leading man should have. He's not bad, but brings the film down a notch with his one-dimensional performance.

Thankfully, there are some reliable supporting role players that help Doris sell the film--notably, PATRICE WYMORE, FRANK LOVEJOY and MARY WICKES who all do their best to keep the tale moving along at a brisk pace. Wickes is especially mirthful when she tosses off a one-liner with aplomb and clearly seems to be enjoying her role as a sharp-tongued maid.

The Michael Curtiz touch is not too evident because the story drags in spots, but whenever Doris gets to warble an old-fashioned tune it doesn't matter what else is going on. Her rendition of "The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else" is especially touching and her spirited version of "Makin' Whoopie" is another delight. Whether tossing off a ballad or jump tune she can do no wrong.

Doris Day fans will enjoy this tuneful and sentimental trip down memory lane.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this 1951 black & white musical with Danny Thomas, in his first starring role, and Doris Day who is always excellent. The story is a tear jerker, happy tears, the songs leave you humming, and the cast and credits are universally excellent. I highly recommend this film.