Doutor Ré-Mi-Bemol

Hi I've been looking for a copy of this film for some time. If anyone has one please contact me. In addition to the classic double damask napkin scene there is a very funny dentist scene with Bea Lillie and Andy Devine.

Joe Higgins

'Doctor Rhythm' is not one of Bing Crosby's best films, for me it's one of his weakest, but even his weakest films are still worth seeing at least once.

If you're looking for a great story or script, look elsewhere. Anybody wanting good songs, some entertainment and decent performances will not feel short-changed. The story is very slight and silly even for a comedy musical, with a tone that can veer on the weird. The script is similarly flimsy with little attention to characterisation, and while some of the comedy is funny some of it bumbles along in a jumbled and tedious fashion.

Direction is at times routine, and Crosby while with an easy-going charm has looked more comfortable in other films. Mary Carlisle is a little dull in a ditzy sort of role with not much meat.

However, 'Doctor Rhythm' is a handsome-looking film, with a beautifully rendered opening and is very nicely shot. The song are very pleasant, with Crosby's contribution being excellent and makes one wonder why they are not better known, "My Heart is Taking Lessons" in particular. There are funny moments, and 'Doctor Rhythm' does have a good nature and a warm heart.

Crosby sings sublimely as always, his singing is often described as crooning and while the term is understandable it is somewhat unfair to Crosby's artistry. Stealing the show however is Beatrice Lillie, the film playing to her strengths as a sophisticated slapstick performer. "Two Dozen Double Damask Dinner Napkins", her justifiably famous stage and record sketch, is the highlight of the film.

All in all, worth seeing especially for Lillie but there are better Crosby films around. 6/10 Bethany Cox

The recollection of this film is from the 60's tv. There were several enjoyable characters, including Andy Devine. The most memorable part is a bit done between Bea Lillie, customer and Franklin Pangborn, store salesman. The difficulty of purchasing a doudle dozen damask dinner napkins is hilarious. If anyone out there has a copy of this film, I would love to see it again.

The film starts out slow, but jumps to full speed whenever Bea Lillie is on screen. Mostly just a jumble of tedious situation comedy bumbling, the film is saved by Ms. Lillie's musical numbers and her "double-damask dinner napkin" routine with Franklin Pangborn.

Singing doctor Bing Crosby -- I hope he's not a proctologist -- helps out enfeebled friend cop Andy Devine. He rents a uniform and takes his place, assigned to Beatrice Lillie. Her niece, Mary Carlisle, wants to elope with Fred Keating. Miss Lillie is too busy singing quodlibets, trying to buy dinner napkins, and roller-skating at a police benefit, so Crosby must forestall the younger woman.

Director Frank Tuttle expertly referees this mishmosh, with Crosby singing two solos and a duet with Miss Lillie, Keating performing a magic trick -- he was a stage magician before turning actor -- and Miss Carlisle looking pretty. Miss Lillie, of course, steals every scene she's in, repeating some of her stage routines, and holding her own against such expert farceurs as Laura Hope Crewe, Franklin Pangborn, and Sterling Holloway. The copy I looked at did not include the Louis Armstrong number, but Bing played second banana in his starring role, and liked it. As did I.