The Voice of the Turtle

this comment is being written on June 11, 2004--in which the nation pays homage to Ronald Reagen, who died six days ago. The post office and government buildings are closed, flags are at half mast, and the media are playing and replaying footage of Mr. Reagen.

Turner Classic Movies offers its tribute: a 1947 film that starred Reagen, first released as "The Voice of the Turtle" (original play title) then re-released as "One for the Book." Neither title really did much for the movie.

However, the film itself contains one of Reagen's best performances, right there with his impressive dramatic turn in "King's Row." In this case, the role calls for a pretty light hearted chap--a service man--and one who isn't particularly gifted in any area and doesn't make any bones about it.

It's a good role for Ronnie, and with the support of the enormously talented Eleanor Parker as love interest--and the always spiffy work of comedienne Eve Arden--Reagen manages to come out looking quite well.

Yet who would have thought, watching this film, that an entire nation would be declaring a day in his honor? Goes to show, one shouldn't underestimate the potential power of actors, especially those who manage to stick to "nice guy" roles throughout their career.

Irving Rapper directs this fluffy romantic farce with flair, and the viewer's rewarded with a most amusing diversion.

Eleanor Parker was approaching the peak of her career when she was cast as Sally Middleton, the slightly daffy heroine of this charming wartime romantic comedy. Ronald Reagan, fresh from his stint in the service, returned to play a soldier who finds himself falling for the charming actress and staying overnight (innocently) in her apartment. Eve Arden is on hand for comic relief as the heroine's best friend and gets some hearty laughs with her usual witty observations and Wayne Morris has a secondary role as her Naval commander boyfriend. Kent Smith is wasted as a producer unwilling to make a relationship commitment with Parker.

Eleanor Parker carries most of the film and proves adept at the physical comedy--notably in a scene where she prepares a sofabed for her Army soldier, empties ashtrays and primps pillows--all in harmony with Max Steiner's jaunty background score.

One of Reagan's better post-war films with his usual amiable performance as the decent soldier--and far and away one of Miss Parker's most fetching roles.

Why are some of the best movies so totally ignored? This is one of those rare films where the studio system produced one of its gems among the dross - it is charming, and gives the great Eve Arden some wickedly funny lines.

I find The Voice of the Turtle (One For the Book) to be one of the most endearing movies of all time, perhaps even more so than The Petrified Forest with young Bette Davis. Despite its colorless and unimaginative title, I find it most exhilarating for at least two reasons: 1. Eleanor Parker's charmingly seductive role constantly reminds one of a playful kitten forever running around after a ball of wool. 2. The excellent humorous scenes and dialogues continue unabated throughout the movie to the very end. I shall never get tired of watching this movie again and again.

Irving Rapper's 1947 wartime comedy 'One For the Book,' is based on John Van Druten's Broadway play, 'The Voice of the Turtle.'

Eleanor Parker plays a young, struggling NY stage actress who's been disappointed with love, but agrees to go out with a soldier on leave (Ronald Reagan) after he's stood up by her friend (Eve Arden). They spend the weekend together and fall in love.

I don't think there was a prettier girl in all the movies then Eleanor Parker, who also had one of the loveliest speaking voices, so distinct and individual. On top of that, she's a marvelous screen actress, and this is one of her best early films, in Margaret Sullavan's famous stage role. (She even wears Sullavan's hairstyle with her trademark bangs.) Though she's usually at her best playing strong, domineering women, she's very charming in this entertaining romantic comedy.

Ronald Reagan, too, had one of his better film roles, and working with Parker brought out the best in him. With the exception of his dramatic role in 'Kings Row,' he's rarely this appealing, and his love scenes with lovely Eleanor are very romantic.

And Eve Arden is terrific as always as Parker's man-chasing friend.

A very bright, enjoyable romantic comedy, well directed and acted.