The Sun Comes Up

Jeannette MacDonald (as Helen Lorfield Winter) is an opera singer making a comeback, after three years of mourning for her deceased husband. She is devoted to her son, and he is devoted to his dog, Lassie. After a successful comeback concert, Ms. MacDonald's son is killed in a horrific accident; he is hit by a truck while running for Lassie. MacDonald is understandably devastated. Initially, she blames Lassie for contributing to her son's death, but MacDonald is able to forgive Lassie, and she comes to care for the dog as her son would have wished. Pained by the sound of children playing, MacDonald takes Lassie, and moves to the country, where she hopes to enjoy a life of solitude. Then, she and Lassie meet young Claude Jarman Jr. (as Jerry), from a neighboring orphanage…

The sentimental storyline in "The Sun Comes Up" is most predictable; but, it hardly matters, as the film does what it does well. First of all, this (the fifth in the original series) is the best "Lassie" since the 1943 original. Richard Thorpe is an unexpected success, seamlessly directing a seemingly difficult mix of children, seasoned professionals, and Lassie. In her last feature film, Jeannette MacDonald could not have been more capable; certainly, she ends her movie career on a high note. Jarman Jr., of "The Yearling" is a well-chosen Lassie co-star. Lassie performs expertly. André Previn provides an appropriately swell score. The film ends with a well-done fiery rescue.

When the film threatens to become too predictable, or sentimental, you can enjoy delightful supporting pros, like: Lewis Stone (an MGM classic), Percy Kilbride ("Pa Kettle"), and Margaret Hamilton (Oz' Wicked Witch). Tarzan's "boy" Johnny Sheffield appears (to have hanged up his loincloth). Other kids making impressions are: Dwayne Hickman ("Dobie Gillis") as "Hank", Teddy Infuhr (also from the "Ma and Pa Kettle" series) as "Junebug", and Michael McGuire (who'll possess the "Dark Shadows" cast in 1970) as "Cleaver".

******* The Sun Comes Up (1/27/49)) Richard Thorpe ~ Jeanette MacDonald, Claude Jarman Jr., Lloyd Nolan, Lassie

This is a movie that may be a bit corny by modern measure but a wonderful film to sit down with a young child and watch. Old time values--a slice of life with real problems---a happy ending.

Jeanette MacDonald stars as a widowed concert singer who suffers another disaster and yearns to retire from the world. She loads up her nifty wood-paneled convertible (a Plymouth?) and dog (Lassie) and sets out. She finds a house in the mountains of a small Southern town and settles in. But she's never runs a household before and discovers she must do her own household chores, cooking, etc. This puts her into contact with the comical-but-wise town grocer (Percy Kilbride) and some other locals. Most annoying, however, is the boy Kilbride has sent to do chores. The boy and dog instantly bond. Slowly, MacDonald gets back her hold on her life, learns to love the boy (Claude Jarman) and return to her own world. But she'll never be the same.

Full of funny moments and a few that will tug your heart strings, this is a nice old-fashioned film and well done by all involved. The Technicolor is also beautiful.

MacDonald, in her final film appearance, looks great and turns in a terrific performance as the woman who learns to love again. She also sings a few songs, including a beautiful rendition of "Un Bel di Vedremo" from MADAMA BUTTERFLY. Kilbride is hilarious as is Margaret Hamilton as the nosy spinster. Jarman is solid in a role that could have been cloying. Others include Lloyd Nolan, Lewis Stone, Ida Moore, Dwayne Hickman, Hope Landin, and Barbara Billingsley.

What a shame the great MacDonald never found another film vehicle. Voice aside, she was a marvelous actress with a great sense of comic timing. Her final film doesn't rank with her unforgettable films with Nelson Eddy, but it's a fine and memorable film in its own right.

This film was Jeanette MacDonald's last film. And, considering it's a nice little family movie, she went out in style.

Helen is distraught. Her son has just died and she has decided to retreat to the countryside to try to forget. This is made tougher because the boy's dog refuses to leave her and she reluctantly takes the dog along with her. Through the course of the movie, Helen becomes friends with an orphan boy, Jerry (Claude Jarmin Jr.) and the woman who wants to be alone and forget soon learns to live again.

This film is less a Lassie film than most. Sure, the dog's important to the story...but the humans are more important and he's more a supporting player. Overall, very engaging and a nice story that you are sure to enjoy....and made with the usual MGM style and flair.

They just don't make them like this anymore. I really liked this old movie. A movie of love and loss and moving on. The setting is great a place in the mountains. Wonderful main characters and supporting characters that make up the quirky country folk. This movie tugs at your heart strings. Wonderful performances by Jeanette MacDonald, Percy Kilbride and Claude Jarman Jr, not to mention Lassie! I wish there were more wholesome films like this. These old movies stand on their own without digitalized effects and profanity so common to new Hollywood. Jeanette MacDonald had such a beautiful voice. Give me non-enhanced sentimental movies any day! Put on your pjs and grab the popcorn and Kleenex this is a great movie for a rainy day when you don't want over the top action.