Ain't Misbehavin'

Ain't Misbehavin' is a fairly obscure 1950's musical from Universal, a studio not much associated with the genre since Deanna Durbin left the decade before.

To tell the truth, I tuned in on Roku TV in order to catch Mamie Van Doren, but despite fourth billing above the title, her role was very limited and she had very little to do. Still, she looked gorgeous in technicolor.

The film seemed like an unofficial sequel to Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, but without the incomparable talents of Marilyn Monroe. It picks up where Gentlemen left off, a showgirl (Piper Laurie) marries a millionaire (Rory Calhoun) and must take her place in society, with mixed results. It might have been more interesting had Mamie had the lead and it was a more direct follow-up to Blondes.

Rory Calhoun was handsome and engaging but really didn't have much to do. Piper Laurie was good, despite having to act like MGM's Jane Powell or Debbie Reynolds, trying a little too hard to be charming. Jack Carson delivered his standard performance.

All in all, a pleasant way to pass the time.

Hello, Not avail or video or DVD, Ain't Misbehavin is a movie gem from the 1950's. A movie practically nobody has seen! Background: I had the movie poster for this film for over 10 years hanging in my den! But I could never see it because it was never available anywhere!!! I loved the poster- It's got Mamie Van Doren, Rory Calhoun, Piper Laurie, The slogan went It's got that mamama Mamie and its got that mamama Mambo! Ma Ma Ma I was hooked!! It was on the top of my movies to see list for years! Finally Last year a copy of the movie made from a Canada TV airing or something was put on Ebay and I got to see it!!! Its great, the musical numbers are great, Mamie Van Doren is great, Piper Laurie is great. It's the best movie ever made!! Run out and find a copy and see it!