La femme de mes rêves

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this 1951 black & white musical with Danny Thomas, in his first starring role, and Doris Day who is always excellent. The story is a tear jerker, happy tears, the songs leave you humming, and the cast and credits are universally excellent. I highly recommend this film.

This is the kind of Hollywoodized biography of a famous composer that springs to life whenever DORIS DAY sings one of those warm and tender melodies. It's Day, at her perkiest, who makes the film rather than DANNY THOMAS, who simply lacked the screen charisma a leading man should have. He's not bad, but brings the film down a notch with his one-dimensional performance.

Thankfully, there are some reliable supporting role players that help Doris sell the film--notably, PATRICE WYMORE, FRANK LOVEJOY and MARY WICKES who all do their best to keep the tale moving along at a brisk pace. Wickes is especially mirthful when she tosses off a one-liner with aplomb and clearly seems to be enjoying her role as a sharp-tongued maid.

The Michael Curtiz touch is not too evident because the story drags in spots, but whenever Doris gets to warble an old-fashioned tune it doesn't matter what else is going on. Her rendition of "The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else" is especially touching and her spirited version of "Makin' Whoopie" is another delight. Whether tossing off a ballad or jump tune she can do no wrong.

Doris Day fans will enjoy this tuneful and sentimental trip down memory lane.

The first time I saw Doris Day, was in "Pillow Talk". Since then I've grown very fond of her quirky personality on screen. She brings any role she plays to life before your eyes. This romantic comedy is a great example of her ability to make you care for a character's welfare. You want more than anything for she and her husband to succeed. Doris Day lights up the screen, as always.

"I'll See You in My Dreams" has great songs and terrific acting. Doris Day and Danny Thomas are extremely believable as the characters of songwriter Gus Kahn and his wife Grace. Their story is quite sweet, but not overly sappy as some classic bio - pics tend to be.

Doris Day portrays the character of Grace LeBoy, a rather comandeering woman who works at a music publisher. She falls for Gus Kahn, an aspiring lyricist, who eventually will write "Pretty Baby", "I'll See You in My Dreams", "Tootsie", and other such memorable songs. While showcasing Kahn's classic songs, the film also shows the ups and downs of their marriage. Doris sings many of the songs, but Danny Thomas sings a few himself. Most of the songs are recognizable, so perhaps you will be singing along with the film. This movie had me singing along, crying a little bit, and laughing a lot.

I strongly recommend this film to fans of Doris Day and Danny Thomas. Both deliver marvelous performances. Check it out, and keep an eye out for Mary Wickes as the stern but lovable housekeeper.

At first glance, I did not think that this combination (Doris Day & Danny Thomas) would be as compatible as some of Ms. Day's other co-stars. It was a wonderful surprise and a delight to find out just how wrong I was. The timing was impeccable and the ease with which they played off each other was great.