One of Hollywood's most underrated musical comedies, the premise for this sublime movie is absolutely irresistible.
Millionaire Jonathan Reynolds (a superb Charles Laughton) is dying and time is of the essence. Unable to find his fiancee, Gloria Pennington (Margaret Tallichet), distraught son Johnny (Robert Cummings) asks hat check girl Anne Terry (a brilliant, adorable Deanna Durbin) if she can play Gloria for the evening. The problem is Jonathan is so smitten with Anne that he starts to recover! Now Johnny and Anne must keep up with the ruse as not to worsen his condition.
With great songs, winning performances and memorable comedic set pieces (see: the nightclub dance and the flirty living room banter), this musical, romantic comedy is sure to put a smile on your face. It's feel good entertainment of the highest caliber. The dialogue is expertly written and frequently touching and funny.
Walter Catlett is excellent as Doctor Harvey, who tries and fails to keep Jonathan on the straight and narrow, hiding Jonathan's beloved cigars. Laughton was only 42 at the time, yet you'd never know it, his old man makeup is so convincing.
This is Deanna Durbin's best film. “Johnny!” Simply perfect.
DIRECTED BY: Henry Koster. SCREENPLAY BY: Norman Krasna, Leo Townsend. RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes. CERTIFICATE: U / G. USA.
