Somebody Loves Me

Betty Hutton sings all or part (medleys) of about 18 songs, the final documentation of Hutton at her best. The film biog was certainly routine and Ralph Meeker, a non-singer, dubbed, was miscast. He had a role somewhat like that of James Mason in Star is Born but nowhere the talent. He was dubbed with a Bing Crosby-like singing voice that also did not fit. Hutton was a spitfire in the dramatic scenes but Meeker was weak. I have read that the role was offered to Frank Sinatra but he was otherwise engaged in a film. What a different film it would have been. Sparks would have flown rather than the sparks coming only from the magnetic, truly one of a kind star, Betty Hutton. She did have vocal cord surgery and it left her not at all diminished and rather with more 'color.' As the years wore on her voice fragmented too rapidly because of the surgery, leaving her with little range by the late 1950's. Still, as of a few years ago on TCM when she was interviewed in depth, she was funny, poignant, incredibly honest and forthright. I have everything I can get on Betty - an incredible talent, never to be seen again.

This film is noted as the last of the big Betty Hutton films before her first "retirement" from the spotlight. The story is a biography of the famous Vaudevillian Blossom Seeley and her husband Benny Fields. What really distinguishes this film is the soundtrack of Betty's singing of a bushel of old-time songs in her inimitable style. She acts with her usual panache. Ralph Meeker plays Benny Fields in much the same way that John Lund played Betty's paramour in "The Perils of Pauline." Billie Bird is a standout as Essie, Blossoms' friend and confidant. Betty would come out of her "retirement" to play in the 1957 film "Spring Reunion" and then appear in the 1959-60 CBS sitcom "The Betty Hutton Show."

Betty Hutton was one of the greatest musical performers of her day. Not only did she sing great but she could be funny/serious at a drop of a hat. This was her last major film before she walked out of Paramount(her studio) and eventually left movies.

Here she is playing stage star Blossom Seeley. The acting is good and the script is typical for a Bio-pic. A nice little story with some good musical numbers. I saw this one many years ago and enjoyed it. Maybe the reason it didn't do so well at the Box Office is because she is playing an almost all dramatic role here. If you have seen any of her other films, you know that Betty Hutton is best loved for her comedic talent.

If you love Betty Hutton, then this is a must see(8/10). If you want something to pass the time with, and you like musicals, then you might enjoy this one(6/10).

The singing voice of Benny Fields was filled by Canadian singer Pat Morgan. Pat was not very well known outside of Canada. He was frequently on radio and TV. He was featured on CBC shows "Some of those days" and the "Music Hall" show that alternated with the "Irish Rovers" show.

In her last major film, Betty Hutton gives a great performance in the story of Blossom Seeley, a legendary star of the early 20th century.

Subduing her usual bop character for the more sedate style of Blossom Seeley, Betty Hutton perfectly captures the mood and pace of the teens and 20s. Singing some great standards and few new songs, Hutton exudes warmth and an era long gone. Blossom Seeley was a major star of the early 20th century, one of the biggest vaudeville stars.

Seeley made a few film appearances, her best being a Vitaphone short in 1928 with Benny Fields. This short film is available on DVD.

Hutton looks great, sings great, and turns in a boffo performance. Ralph Meeker is dubbed and seems uncomfortable in a musical. Solid support from Robert Keith, Billie Bird, Sid Tomack, and Henry Slate.

Sadly, this was the end of Betty Hutton's studio career in Hollywood. She made this film the same year as starring in THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. She made several TV specials and guest appearances but appeared in only one more film: 1957's SPRING REUNION. One of the biggest stars of the 40s, she was tossed aside by the studio system.

Hutton's performance in this films ranks among her best. Worth a look to see one great star impersonating another great star.