Mein Traum bist Du

Warner Brothers made two very, very similar films--one after the other and with the same two stars. In fact, they are so similar, I could easily see viewers confusing the two pictures. "My Dream is Yours" and "It's a Great Feeling" BOTH star Doris Day as a young woman hoping to be discovered and a fast-talking guy, Jack Carson, promises to make her a star. However, "It's a Great Feeling" is more of a comedy and "My Dream is Your Dream" is a bit more of a romance. Both are about equally good in my opinion.

Martha Gibson (Day) has a lovely voice--and Doug (Carson) is determined to try to get her on the radio. However, again and again, Doug is either unable to get her an audition or folks insist she must be a 'name' before they'll put her on the air. Eventually, Doug is able to get Martha a break--when Gary (Lee Bowman) shows up drunk for his show--and after that, her career takes off. But, one problem persists--she's a single mom and Doug insists on finding her the perfect man.

Towards the end of the film, there is an odd animated sequence where Bugs Bunny, Tweety and a bunch of birds appear. Even odder are Day's and Carson's outfits and choreography for this sequence. Unfortunately, the sequence falls flat, as there were much better live-action/cartoon hybrids from the period--such as with Gene Kelly dancing with Jerry Mouse or Esther Williams swimming with Tom and Jerry. This one in "My Dream is Yours" just seems pretty pointless and unnecessary. Fortunately, although this slows down the film and isn't needed, the acting and singing are good throughout the film and it is enjoyable and worth seeing. It won't change your life, but it's nice.

The cast, the film's swiping at radio and film, that it was a musical (something that would fill some people's heads with dread but count me as a fan) and that it was directed by Michael Curtiz are reasons enough to see 'My Dream is Yours'. While all have done better work, most of the film has enough to make it a very well done worthwhile film.

Adolphe Menjou is pretty wasted and does little with his role, that if given more to do in material and given more screen time could have been really juicy. The satirical elements do fare very nicely and induces a great deal of amusement, but there are parts that could have had more bite, some of it was a little too on the safe, gentle side. 'My Dream is Yours', as has been noted, is not perfect but has a lot that works.

However, 'My Dream is Yours' is a beautiful-looking film, the colour is lavish and the production and costume designs as elegant as can be. Curtiz directs admirably once again, again more proof that he could direct musicals very competently and was undervalued.

Very memorable songs help, especially the lovely "I'll String Along With You". Choreographically it's exuberantly witty and graceful, with one of the highlight scenes being the sheer dazzling delight that is the animated sequence.

'My Dream is Yours' is scripted with much nostalgic charm, a pleasant wit that does bite with Eve Arden and it avoids being too sentimental or saccharine. The story is nothing special, but is light on its feet and has such a warm heart that one cannot help being endeared to it.

Doris Day has a natural sweetness and sassy spunk that suits her down to the ground, and her singing as always is heavenly. Jack Carson is somewhat unconventional as a leading man in the type of role he has here, but he displays immense likability here. Eve Arden is classy and sharp in wit, and while it is a samey role for him it is the curmudgeonly role that SZ Sakall excels in very well.

On the whole, very pleasant and fun, well worth catching. 8/10 Bethany Cox

The movie tells the story of Doug Blake (Jack Carson) as he searches for a new radio singer star in order to replace his conceited former friend Gary Mitchell (Lee Bowman), who has just refused to sign another contract. In New York Doug is spellbound by the singing talents of young war widow Martha Gibson (Doris Day). He brings her and her little son Freddy to Hollywood, where Martha and her manager Doug have to go through all the difficulties that an unknown singer has to face on the way to success. Gradually, Doug also falls in love with Martha, who however is more attracted by Gary Mitchell. We can't wait to see, of course, who will finally get the girl ...

The familiar story line (with a musician rising from being a nobody to being a well-known and recognized star) is often delivered in a boring and either over-sentimental or spiritless way by other movies of this kind. In contrast, "My Dream is Yours" combines an original, heart-felt story with a good script and excellent direction. And there is Doris Day at the age of twenty-five! She may already appear quite charming in some of the better-known comedies that were produced ten or fifteen years later. Here her performance is so delightful to look at and her singing so refreshing to listen to that I was overwhelmed. If you like Doris Day, you simply have to see this movie.

In the late forties Warner Brothers brought out three glossy Technicolor comedies with songs starring Jack Carson which served to introduce to an appreciative public the fresh-faced charm of the young Doris Day before she was a virgin. Ms Day had already been promoted to second billing by the time she made 'My Dream is Yours', which was the second, and by far the least, of this trio; which has a very thin storyline and at 101 minutes is frankly too long, but is so packed with goodies you'll still have a good time.

Even if you're not a fan of Doris's singing (my own favourite of her numbers in this film was the brief hula 'Nagasaki' number) there's Carson himself and a dream supporting cast including Eve Arden delivering her trademark quips while wearing a number of killer outfits, Edgar Kennedy (in his last film), Franklin Pangborn, and even Bugs Bunny and Tweety Pie; although fourth-billed Adolphe Menjou (who gets less screen time than 'Cuddles' Sakall) is rather wasted.

No expense seems to have been spared on the studio scenes, while the second unit have provided a fascinating record of the Los Angeles of the period (including the Brown Derby and Schwab's Drug Store), all in Technicolor.

I'm an old Doris Day fan from way back. I loved this movie, because it was sheer, delightful entertainment. It was post-World War 2 and just what the movie-going audience seemed to be "eating up" during that time in our history. First of all, it had a wonderful look to it - the sunny southern California locale, handsome co-star, Lee Bowman and romantic not-so-handsome co-star, Jack Carson. The story has some dark undertones when Doris finds herself duped into believing the object of her desire is nothing more than an egotistical, spotlight-grabbing, soon-to-be "has-been". However, the songs are bright and beautiful and Doris has never had a better showcase for her talent. This movie will take you away to an innocent time, if only for a little while. Try it - you'll like it!