Il y a de l'amour dans l'air

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.

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!

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.

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

After the success of her first starring role in ROMANCE ON THE HIGH SEAS ('48), Doris is re-united with Jack Carson for another pleasant musical trifle with Doris as the girl singer Carson finds in order to replace conceited band singer (Lee Bowman) who refuses to sign another contract. Along for a few laughs are Eve Arden (more adept than usual with her punch lines) and S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall, fracturing English and being generally amusing as a radio producer.

The only thing that lifts this out of the ordinary is the cartoon sequence using "Hungarian Rhapsody" as the music for the "Freddy Get Ready" sequence combining live action with the animated Bugs Bunny.

Other than that, if you like Doris Day, she has another tailor-made role as a band singer who gets to sing pleasant ballads like the title tune and adds some fresh appeal to the role of a girl Carson wants to turn into a new singing sensation.

A better than average little musical thanks to the performances of Day, Carson and Lee Bowman--as well as the always enjoyable Eve Arden.