Young at Heart

This film features Sinatra relishing some great songs and some fine dialogue which suits him perfectly. The scene where he sings "Someone to Watch Over Me" at the cafe piano is quite unforgettable. This is a very re-watchable movie with a fine cast - Doris Day, Gig Young, Ethel Barrymore, Brian Keith etc.

The standard songs are joined by some new ones written for the production - and they too are a total delight. A fine example of 1950s Americana as seen by Hollywood.

Once again Gordon Douglas deals with characters faced with moral dilemmas. In this case the three sisters and their infatuation with Gig Young, Doris Day's commitment to Frank Sinatra, and Sinatra's decision. From the opening scene of the neighborhood in which they live to the very end this movie is much more then it seems. Within the artificial look of the sets,there's no hiding the many themes that meander throughout this somewhat dark (musical?). For those who don't get it, take another look. These characters are far deeper then the picture perfect world they live in might make you believe.

I'd forgotten how much i loved this film until i watched it yesterday. I remember watching it a lot years ago but it isn't the sort of film that sticks out as being mind-blowing. Nevertheless it's still a really good one to watch when you don't want anything too heavy. There are some nice floaty songs, a few teary scenes and overall a nice mix of everything a good film needs, without anything harsh thrown in.

Frank Sinatra and Doris Day are totally believable throughout and compliment each other perfectly. The cast as a whole works very well, the characters are all complex and not over-the-top or dull. In short, it is a perfectly likable film.

Although it is only heard sung by Frank Sinatra at the beginning and end credits of Young At Heart, the title song was both a big hit for Frank Sinatra and set the tone for a very warm and wonderful Yuletide picture.

Warner Brothers already had this property, this is a remake of Four Daughters, minus a daughter, with Sinatra and Doris Day in the roles originated by John Garfield and Priscilla Lane. Doris's sisters are Dorothy Malone and Elizabeth Fraser who are all the daughters of music professor Robert Keith and all play instruments. The only non-musical member of their household is wise old maiden aunt, Ethel Barrymore.

Of course Doris sings as well. But in the passing out of vocal material, Sinatra did a lot better than she did. None of her songs did anything for her vocal career. Sinatra wisely opted for standards by some of the very best. In his role as saloon singer/piano player/music arranger Frank gets to sing Just One of Those Things by Cole Porter, Someone to Watch Over Me by the brothers Gershwin and One For My Baby by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. Can't get much more talented in the song department than that group.

One For My Baby was introduced by Fred Astaire in The Sky's the Limit, but when Sinatra sang it here it became forever identified with him and a staple item at all of his live performances.

Sinatra and Day sang a duet You My Love at the finale. It was the song that Frank was working on through out the film. They sang it so well that you'd never know that tempers flared the entire time the film was made.

During the Forties when both were at Columbia Records, Frank and Doris recorded a couple of duets together. In the interim, Sinatra moved on to Capitol records so no original cast album could be made from this soundtrack. It might not have happened anyway because back in the Forties Day spoke highly of Frank. Things cooled considerably between the two of them, among the items of contention was Day's husband Martin Melcher. Suffice it to say it was not a happy set.

Still and all Young at Heart is one of the best films either of the stars did and really nice entertainment.

Barney Sloan (Frank Sinatra) is a gifted musician who grew up orphaned and cynically resigned himself to "the fates". He quietly falls in love with kindhearted, upbeat Laurie Tuttle (Doris Day) who lives in a small town with her cheery family (father, aunt and two sisters). She is often perceptive about him, and very moved by his emotional outpourings through his music. Nonetheless, she misses the message behind Barney's shy kiss. She accepts Alex Burke's (Gig Young) marriage proposal, although she questions if Burke "needs" her and asks why they can't "keep things as they are." Discovering her sister's feelings for Alex is a turning point in Laurie's decision making. What part did her love for Barney play in her choice? Apparently, this is the question consuming Barney. He is often preoccupied with his own insecurities, and makes a destructive decision.

Sinatra's singing is beautiful ("Someone to Watch Over Me"). His portrayal is heartfelt. His chemistry with Day grows with their characters' relationship. "One for My Baby" and "You, My Love" are wonderful. In the latter, note how Barney is happy but still shy. This is a very moving romantic drama with a fine cast. I can relate to Barney, having a relative who grew up alone in the Depression. Thumbs up for the ending;