Young at Heart

Unconvincing musical drama, a remake of 1938's "Four Daughters", has bright, cheery Doris Day picking brooding Frank Sinatra for a suitor over bright and cheery Gig Young. She's hoping to cure Sinatra of his demons, of course, and isn't true love the best medicine after all? A corny, artificial outing, although one mounted with classy studio-style and featuring pleasant supporting characters and chipper family chit-chat. Still, Sinatra's dour mood and Young's attraction to Day (over one of her sisters, whose tender emotions are never quite dealt with) leaves one unsatisfied. It's certainly a well-scrubbed, family-oriented diversion, but the all melodrama the screenplay brings up seems wrong-headed, and sour Sinatra never fits in with this sunny family and he never clicks with Day. **1/2 from ****

This is not a classic film. It won't be on any "Best Of" Lists. It is simply a wonderful film that you can enjoy when you want to see a good movie. I keep returning to this one, because it provides pure, unadulterated enjoyment. It is glossy entertainment, and unabashedly romantic. A perfect rainy afternoon movie.

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.

"Young at Heart" is a beautiful story about the more mature love that grows in the relations of 3 daughters, (Laurie, Fran, Amy) & their boy friends (Barney, Alex, Bob).

Tuttle Home is where a sarcastic, angry Barney Sloan (Frank) decides to work as part of a composing team. He's the piano man. He believes that the "fates" are out to get him & destroy his life. Lovely Laurie Tuttle (Doris) doesn't. Who will be right? This is one dramatic, musical everybody should see.

This 1954 movie musical with some beautiful songs, especially one of my favorites "Young at Heart".

Doris Day as Laurie Tuttle; Frank Sinatra as Barney Sloan; Gig Young as Alex Burke; Ethel Barrymore as Aunt Jessie Tuttle; Dorothy Malone as Fran Tuttle; Robert Keith as Gregory Tuttle; Elisabeth Fraser as Amy Tuttle; Alan Hale Jr. as Robert Neary; Lonny Chapman; as Ernest Nichols.

(7.5 out of 10 out of TCM)

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;