In the screening last night everyone was moved and impressed with how the song and dance played against a believable relationship of dependency. Some remarked upon how harrowing the movie becomes, and that it really doesn't have a happy ending, just an acknowledgment that the dependency is mutual. The two other reviews here well describe the relationship: the fellow is talented but rudderless without a good woman, his wife. He gives 1000% as an entertainer. Someone who actually cares about him needs to reign him in. He is eager to please and will break his back in the process. He's portrayed by the real thing, Dan Dailey. His eyes say it all. He cannot be left alone. It's a scary and accurate portrayal, and Betty Grable balances his intensity with her own nobility and sincerity. This movie dispels any preconceived notions of them as lightweights. The play is engaging (I have Sherry Britton's copy of the play) and this movie adaptation (by Lamar Trotti) may improve upon it. The songs and skits improve with further viewing. They represent a compendium of Burlesque! The songs include Ray Henderson's The Birth of the Blues, Dan's flashy song and dance number announcing his arrival in New York, performed with help from little tanned shoe shine girls. Dan Dailey himself wears an eye- catching green shiny suit, and dances pretty beautifully. Other memorable songs are What Did I Do and By the Way (Josef Myro) ... Betty Grable asks What Did I Do? outside the bar by the harbor, and the title number, Bill Munro's When My Baby Smiles at Me is simply sung at the piano. It's an essential movie for anyone interested in furthering the legend of burlesque in the United States. The supporting cast is great. Please note James Gleason, particularly appealing as the mid-level producer of the road shows.
Review of When My Baby Smiles at Me
