O, My Darling Clementine

O, My Darling Clementine (1943)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Dan Franklin (Frank Albertson) and his group of musicians and various other forms of talent are driving through a small town when Dan notices the beautiful Clementine (Lorna Gray). At first the two battle one another but before long Dan and his group are in her small town where they need a bit of life added.

O, MY DARLING CLEMETINE isn't the greatest film ever made but I was pleasantly surprised at how much entertainment it did have. Obviously the film has pretty much been forgotten over the years, which is understandable since there's not a major star here but if you're a film buff who likes discovering unknown movies then this one here is decent.

I did call it decent and not great so one certainly shouldn't be watching this expecting any sort of masterpiece. The Republic film has a pretty simple story that isn't ground-breaking or anything but I thought both Albertson and Gray were good enough to keep you glued into what was going on. The supporting cast also includes Country music Hall of Famer Roy Acuff but he's honestly not given too much to do.

The musical numbers aren't the greatest but once again they are pleasant enough and mildly entertaining. At just 69 minutes the film doesn't have any filler that drags it down and it's a decent enough of a movie for a rainy day.

This country music gem falls into the genre of what can be dubbed "pioneering" country music, and stars one of the great pioneers, Roy Acuff.

Fans would never think of Acuff as an actor, that is, unless they have seen "Oh, My Darling Clementine." His portrayal of the singing sheriff is a rare adventure in nostalgia and was made at a time when country music was hard to sell north of the Mason-Dixon line. But, if you're a country music fan now, and interested in it's history, you must see this movie.

Although this is not a historical document, it does reflect the period in which it was made. The younger Acuff...well, he was 40 years old when the film was made...rendition of the title song will start your hands to clappin' and your feet to tappin.'

The movie is not readily available in VHS or DVD. At least, I haven't been able to find it. But keep searching, sooner or later you're bound to find it.