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Reviews
My Blue Heaven (1950)
"My Blue Kitsch"
This is not the typical "Betty Grable Extravaganza" that she may have starred in 10 years prior. Instead it is comedy/soap opera/musical chronicling Grable and Dailey's struggle to become parents. Grable has matured here and this film highlights a more confident Grable on all fronts. This might have been a great melodrama/musical. What actually wieghs down the proceedings are the musical numbers attached to their "televsion appearances". While these numbers are by and large terrific, the songs border on "poverty row" quality. Take a listen to "It's Deductible" and you'll see what I mean. Thankfully Grable and Dailey make the best of the songs given to them to sing and they make it all seem much more fabulous than it would have been in less capable hands. The constant melodrama of "couple loses baby, gets baby, loses baby" gets tiresome and the inherent sexism does not hold up well today (i.e. Grable's response to her husband's indiscretion with Mitzi Gaynor). Aside from these detractors, "My Blue Heaven" boasts a delightful supporting cast including Mitzi Gaynor, Jane Wyatt and the wonderful Una Merkel. These actors help buoy what could have easily been a sinking ship. This is not a superb vehicle by any means, but it does serve a great piece of kitsch presenting Post-war America and the burgeoning industry of television.
Move Over, Darling (1963)
"What might have been"
The original MY FAVORITE WIFE is a masterpiece in screwball romantic comedy. The remake, MOVE OVER, DARLING is a minor fluff piece which can't quite find its own legs. Originally started with George Cukor directing and Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Cyd Charisse in 1962 as SOMETHING'S GOT TO GIVE, MOVE OVER DARLING was cancelled, then restarted again the following year. What overshadows the production is the contemplation of "what might have been" had the original remake been fully realized. Doris Day and James Garner are nonetheless delightful as are the supporting players Polly Bergen and Don Knotts. The new version takes some of the implied sexiness of the original and plays it out in typical 1960s Technicolor sex comedies of the time (for which Doris Day seemed to churn out in her sleep). Enjoyable for its parts if not for its sum. MOVE OVER, DARLING is recommended viewing. Make sure you see Cary Grant and Irene Dunne in MY FAVORITE WIFE eventually.