Le coeur en fête

The sole directorial effort from Robert Riskin (the talented screenwriter behind many of Frank Carpa's best films), WHEN YOU'RE IN LOVE is one of many films that attempted to re-create the success of 1934's surprise hit ONE NIGHT OF LOVE. This film boasts the advantage of featuring opera singer Grace Moore, the star of the previous film, in the lead role, yet it never really seems to amount to much and was not well-received by audiences upon it's original release. The film's basic premise (famous Australian opera singer "hires" an American man to pose as her husband in order to enter the country) is a workable enough set-up, but the picture fails to generate much momentum or interest. Riskin does a respectable job for a first time director, but displays a poor sense of pace and allows the picture to become plodding.

Moore is acceptable as the film's Diva (she never really commands the screen, but she has a odd sort of like-ability) and Cary Grant is in fine form as her "rented" mate, but they are playing stock characters who only seem to behave in the manner that is necessitated by the script. Their relationship suffers numerous ups and downs throughout the course of the film, but I never really cared whether they ended up together and that is a serious determent for this type of picture. The film is also marred by far too many piecing musical numbers that seem to exist only to pad out the film's runtime and serve as a defacto showcase for Moore's shrill voice (even "Minnie the Moocher," which is often referred to as the film's highpoint, is virtually unlistenable). The film's true saving grace is Aline MacMahon in a fresh and intelligent performance as Moore's assistant - MacMahon's good-natured portrayal is a minor comic gem surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.

I quite enjoyed this as something to watch in the afternoon with a cup of tea and a biscuit. This makes me sound about 110 but I'm only just over 40 LOL Nice story - I've got Skyplus so I could fast forward over the horrible singing. The Opera Star's side kick was definitely the best part of the film, she was smart and the screen lit up whenever she was in a scene.

But in the scene where all the kids come down from the Music School upstairs to listen at the feet of the 'Queen' - was that Shirley Temple or not? It looked like her to me, did they have look alikes in those days? Not something to watch if there's anything good on instead.

Another light hearted romp from the 30's. Who doesn't like Cary Grant? This is an early glimpse into the comedic side of the Cary Grant we loved in so many films he made afterward. Miss Moore lights up the screen with her singing. Grace Moore was an opera star from the Met that found her way into film. She was nominated for Best Actress for her 1934 film "One Night of Love". Here an Australian opera singer needs to get to America but cannot get over the border and agrees to a plan. This movie has quite a bit of charm. I love the scenes of Mexico. One song in particular is a bit overdone but, all in all this is a nice romantic film. It may not be Shakespeare but it's a lot of fun.

Here is a "screwball comedy" with music. Cary Grant and Grace Moore play two screwballs stranded in Mexico who must wed in order to solve their problems with the border patrol. The film seems designed to firm up opera singer Moore' movie-star status and establish Grant as Hollywood's most charming leading man, and it does so quite amusingly. The top musical treat is seeing Moore perform "Minnie the Moocher," Cab Calloway's decidedly unoperatic signature song. Along the way we get to hear Puccini and Schubert as well as couple of songs written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields. Favorite line: Cary Grant saying he needs "a martini, with the speed of an antelope."

So-so musical romance starring Grace Moore as an Australian opera singer who marries American artist Cary Grant to get back into the United States for an important concert. He tries to win her over with predictable results. Not great stuff but pleasant enough I suppose. Notable for being the only movie directed by screenwriter Robert Riskin (he also wrote this). Also worth mentioning for Moore fans that, in addition to a few opera numbers, she sings "Minnie the Moocher" here. Let's just say it's not likely to be the best rendition of that song you've ever heard. Really, this is one for Grace Moore fans more than Cary Grant ones. He does perfectly fine with his role, don't get me wrong. He's charming and likable as usual. But it's just kind of a dull part for Cary. The supporting cast is nice but greats like Aline MacMahon and Thomas Mitchell are wasted in cardboard cut-out roles. See it for Grace or if you're a Cary completist. Or, heck, see it if you're really into opera (I'm not).