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.

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.

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.

John Van Druten opens up his play in brilliant fashion for the screen by introducing a number of interesting characters. The film is romantic comedy at its best and it is shameful that this charming movie is not on tape or DVD and is not better known. Ronald Reagan is at his affable best and Eve Arden excels as always; the supporting cast includes Wayne Morris (in real life a true war hero), Kent Smith and John Emory. The real delight, however, is the performance of Eleanor Parker. To put it simply, she is completely captivating! Doug McClelland, in his book ELEANOR PARKER:WOMAN OF A THOUSAND FACES, is right on target when he comments on her versatility and her dazzling range as an actress of unsurpassed gifts. VOICE OF THE TURTLE is a complete delight no matter how many times it is viewed.

"The Voice of the Turtle" is a gentle comedy romance. The principal characters are an aspiring actress and an Army sergeant on a weekend pass in New York. The time is not clear - there's no news or hint of war, and not many servicemen or women around. But, besides the main character, there is a Navy commander. It would probably be around the time of the film - 1947, a couple years after World War II when there would still be some men in uniform.

Ronald Reagen is Sgt. Bill Page and Eleanor Parker is Sally Middleton. They meet when Sally's friend, Olive Lashbrooke (played by Eve Arden) stands Bill up for another date with Navy Commander Ned Burlin (played by Wayne Morris). Most of the comedy dialog comes from Olive in the biting, quirky lines that were Arden's trademark throughout her career in films and on TV.

Sally is somewhat shy and awkward, and Bill sees the humor or cheeriness in her character. Their relationship blooms slowly in film time, even though the period covered is but a weekend. The story is probably a much more realistic portrayal of dates of that type and time than other films have shown. The movie may seem very slow to some, and probably intolerable for those who thrive on a thrill-a-minute action films. But those who like light comedy and drama that shows a slice of life from a specific period should enjoy this film.

Incidentally, the title comes from something Bill says in the film. After he refers to the voice of the turtle, Sally asks "voice of the turtle?" rhetorically. Bill replies, "turtledove," and says it comes from the Bible. His reference was to Songs 2:12 - "The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the turtledove is heard in our land."

My favorite line from the film is in the drugstore where people are waiting outside a telephone booth. A woman says, "I've been waiting for half an hour. How long can he talk for a nickel?"