There are a number of musicals out there that deserve more attention. Among them are, "Best Foot Forward", "Two Weeks With Love" and now I can add this version of "One Sunday Afternoon".
For the record, I've seen, and love "The Strawberry Blonde". By now you should all know this is basically a remake, by the same director, but in color and music that moves the plot along a bit.
We could dwell on the differences, and what could have been included in "one Sunday afternoon" (and yes I love, "And the Band Played On". But now I love the tune, "One Sunday Afternoon" which plays the same role in this film.
I was very surprised perhaps most of all to learn that Don DeFore has a fine singing voice. I do wish that Janis Paige was featured a little bit more. She is really a wonderful addition.
Don't try to compare James Cagney to Dennis Morgan. Don't try to compare Rita Hayworth to Janis Paige (though I would take Janis Paige). Don't even try to compare Alan Hale Sr. to Alan Hale Jr. (he even mentions a boat trip!)
But I do think this is a fine, enjoyable musical of a classic story.
But there is one thing better about this film than "the strawberry blonde" and that is Ben Blue as Nick. Now , don't get me wrong, I think George Tobias as Nick in , ''the strawberry blonde" was fine. But Ben Blue really added a nice, buster Keaton like, comedic relief.
I purchased the DVD from Warner Archives and had some trouble viewing it on one of my DVD players, and contrary to what the packaging says, I tried it on a DVD recorder and it played fine.
Is this , "Oklahoma", "The Music Man", or "Showboat"? No. But it is a movie you probably haven't seen and you may very well enjoy.
But that's just the kind of hairpin I am!
For the record, I've seen, and love "The Strawberry Blonde". By now you should all know this is basically a remake, by the same director, but in color and music that moves the plot along a bit.
We could dwell on the differences, and what could have been included in "one Sunday afternoon" (and yes I love, "And the Band Played On". But now I love the tune, "One Sunday Afternoon" which plays the same role in this film.
I was very surprised perhaps most of all to learn that Don DeFore has a fine singing voice. I do wish that Janis Paige was featured a little bit more. She is really a wonderful addition.
Don't try to compare James Cagney to Dennis Morgan. Don't try to compare Rita Hayworth to Janis Paige (though I would take Janis Paige). Don't even try to compare Alan Hale Sr. to Alan Hale Jr. (he even mentions a boat trip!)
But I do think this is a fine, enjoyable musical of a classic story.
But there is one thing better about this film than "the strawberry blonde" and that is Ben Blue as Nick. Now , don't get me wrong, I think George Tobias as Nick in , ''the strawberry blonde" was fine. But Ben Blue really added a nice, buster Keaton like, comedic relief.
I purchased the DVD from Warner Archives and had some trouble viewing it on one of my DVD players, and contrary to what the packaging says, I tried it on a DVD recorder and it played fine.
Is this , "Oklahoma", "The Music Man", or "Showboat"? No. But it is a movie you probably haven't seen and you may very well enjoy.
But that's just the kind of hairpin I am!