La maîtresse de papa

I have seen this film along with On Moonlight Bay many times on TV, not when they originally came out in the cinema, I wasn't a big fan of musicals then and I can't say I'm a big fan of Doris Day, but these two films are so uplifting and fun they are excellent to watch. It's something to do with the balance of light drama/comedy to songs, the songs don't intrude and seem to help the plot along. If I had to choose, it would probably be this film out of the two because of the great feel good factor with everyone enjoying themselves at the end out at the pond. My favourite scene is right at the end when Leon Ames seems to be the only one who hasn't got a clue what's going on, and says to his wife ..."and what did you think.... and she's just as puzzled as he his and the music comes up.........

If Day and McRae don't make the perfect G-rated all-American couple, I don't know who does. It's a generally delightful 100-minutes, though I could have used more of their glowing close ups—they do light up the screen. Musical highlights include the classic title tune and "Ain't We Got Fun"; plus, the just for fun "King Chanticleer" with its clever staging and the delightful "Be My Little Honey Bee". Of course there has to be a story line to hang the musical hats on. Here it's a love note that's mistakenly attributed to Day's father that undermines family solidarity. It's a little heavier than I like, but guess what happens by the end.

Anyway, pesky little Billy Gray gets a lot of screen time along with his pet turkey. However, TV's "Father Knows Best" will soon civilize him and maybe his squawky turkey too. But pity poor Russell Arms as the inept extra man. But not to worry, he'll get a good singing role on TV's popular "Your Hit Parade". Then furnishing some bite amidst the happy people is wisecracking Mary Wickes as the cook. She also gets to break the proverbial "fourth wall" by speaking directly to viewers in a movie prologue.

Anyway, even playing a tomboy Day has never been sunnier, whether fixing stubborn car engines or waltzing across a ballroom. Nor has small town America and its communal events appeared more ideal. In short, it's Technicolor 1950's America in fine musical form.

I saw this again recently on British TV. It's a great film, with plenty of nostalgia, nice period atmosphere, and the lovely Doris Day. One slight oddity, though: her boy-friend returns from World War 1 in time for Thanksgiving (23rd November?), and says the Germans surrendered the day his unit got to Paris (11th November), so he must have got on a boat back to the States & been demobilised pretty quick to be home in less than 2 weeks (unless it took a year for that to happen!). Nonetheless, I recommend this very much to anyone interested in the Golden Age of American film musicals, the decade from 1945 to 1955, and the wonderful stars who beguiled us with their gentle escapism.

Following World War I, and "On Moonlight Bay" (1951), shapely tomboy Doris Day (as Marjorie Winfield) plans to marry returning soldier sweetheart Gordon MacRae (as William "Bill" Sherman), but he gets cold feet. The pair have misadventures and misunderstandings until Ms. Day finds Mr. MacRae back on his feet again. Day's family from the earlier film returns, imaginative little brother Billy Gray (as Wesley), father Leon Ames (as George), mother Rosemary DeCamp (as Alice), and housekeeper Mary Wickes (as Stella) return. Day and MacRae sing a bunch of standards (very well). Piano teacher Russell Arms (as Chester Finley) and French actress Maria Palmer (as Renee La Rue) provide innocent romantic fluff. "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" is an immaculate production; it's sweet and old-fashioned, with music to match.

******* By the Light of the Silvery Moon (3/26/53) David Butler ~ Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, Billy Gray, Leon Ames

I like this film. It was well done with Doris and Gordon in the lead as small time sweet hearts. I watch this every Christmas! It gets me in the mood for ice-skating! I love the songs. The plot involved a small town family and how the children think their father is having an affair with an actress. The father is the same father in Meet Me In St. Louis. JUST WATCH IT!!!