Tea for Two (1950) User Reviews

Doris and Gordon dust off an old chestnut

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 27 June 2005]

No No Nanette, each stage and screen version, of it is one of those items that's going to have an eternal life on stage. This version of it, retitled with the best known number in the show is one of the best tellings of the story of a girl who has to keep saying no to all questions.

Tea for Two will be sung as long as people have voices. Doris Day and Gordon MacRae sing a nice version of it here, but the primo version of this song is done by Bing Crosby and Connee Boswell for Decca Records.

The whole ensemble performs quite nicely and settles into the roles that we've come to know and love them. Eve Arden as the wisecracking best friend, S.Z.Sakall as the confused old world uncle, Billy DeWolfe as the fussbudget conman producer just settle comfortably into their parts.

If on Jeopardy the answer is the most frequent leading man for Doris Day, phrase the question Gordon MacRae. They did four films together and sang beautifully in all of them. Of course in this one Vincent Youmans gave them a great score, but Warner Brothers had a song catalog themselves and Gordon MacRae sings I Only Have Eyes for You and does it well. In fact in a lot of Doris Day's films, the Brothers Warner dusted off some of their old song hits.

Gene Nelson appeared in a few Warner Brothers musicals. A very talented dancer, he should have come along when musicals were at their height. He'd be better known today.

You can't go wrong with Tea for Two, the song or the film.

The Musical Whose Origins Boston Erroneously Hates

[theowinthrop · 7/10 · 26 April 2009]

Before getting into the issues of musical score, cinematography, cast, direction, and storyline, one has to always bring in some baggage with "Tea For Two" (known on stage as "No No Nanette!"). Supposedly baseball team impresario and theatrical producer Harry Frazee, in an effort to raise the cash for a new musical with music by Vincent Youmans, sold his best player on the Boston Red Sox, George Herman "Babe" Ruth, to his friend Col. Ruppert of the New York Yankees, thus guaranteeing New York would dominate baseball for the next century while Boston came close but never got the gold ring (despite Ted Williams and others). Since the start of the present century Boston has won the World Series twice, whereas the Yankees have not won any. One can safely say the so-called "curse of the Bambino" is dead. But I wish to add, you may hate Frazee as much as you want for trading Ruth and several other great players to New York. But the money went into other productions he was pushing, not "No No Nanette." The musical came about four years after the stupid trade of Ruth. So this is not a case of Boston's loss was the gain of Vincent Youmans fans.

The musical has been remade three times, with this version in 1950, starring Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, Eve Arden, Gene Nelson, S.Z. Sakall, and Billy De Wolfe. The 1950 version, re-entitled "Tea For Two", was directed by David Butler, and is considered the best of the three. It does contain the big two hits by Youmans from the show ("Tea for Two" and "I Want to be Happy"), but it also has tunes by the Gershwins and others, including Harry Warren and Al Dubin (this is a Warners Brothers film, and they got full use of tunes like "I Only Have Eyes For You!").

The production is very nice in terms of color film stock, and scenery (particularly a 1929 style mansion). But best is the acting - the cast is not only good, but as the material is good the cast does very well with it.

Day is a stage struck heiress living with her Wall Street broker uncle Sakall. She was left a fortune by her father, but Sakall is her guardian and is in charge of the fortune. Unfortunately he invested the money (despite the advise of his lawyer Bill Goodwin) in stock instead of stable but small return government bonds. Comes the crash and Sakall has lost his money (although he still has much of potentially valuable stock) as well as all of Day's.

The plot concerns how Day is being pursued by De Wolfe for financial assistance in floating his Broadway production of "No No Nanette". De Wolfe, in his career, frequently played unlikeable types - either sneering know-it-alls (wherein he was a younger "Clifton Webb" type, without Webb's actual wisdom), or semi-conman (like the minstrel performer in "Dixie" with Bing Crosby). Nobody likes De Wolfe (Day has already had some history with him and is waiting for him to repay a $10,000.00 loan). Even Sakall can't stand him. But he is the man heading the production. He is trying to get Day's backing, but trying to somehow convince his girlfriend/leading lady (Patrice Wymore) to give up the lead to Day. Wymore has history with the choreographer (Gene Nelson) but has thrown him over for De Wolfe (however she is increasingly regretting this error). Gordon MacRae is the songwriter on the show, and dislikes the lies De Wolfe spreads about his family's health and need for medical care - lies that De Wolfe uses to try to pry cash out of Day). MacRae also is falling for Day (and she certainly likes him).

Through a complicated mistake Day agrees to a wager with Sakall: she will not answer any question with a "Yes" for 48 hours, and if she doesn't she will be given the $25,000.00 for the show. However, if she does say "Yes" she can't spend any money for one year. So the plot keeps following moments when Day has to disappoint people by denying any question (even when she plans the reverse). On the other hand, Sakall, knowing there is no money, tries again and again to get her to say "yes". At one point, when trying to make an appointment, Sakall's crazy wager works against him when the negative Day annoys a motorcycle cop who arrests them both.

This plot may sound trite, but musical comedy plots were frequently like that in the 1920s. I may add that the crazy balancing act between Day and Wymore that De Wolff is forced to go through is funny, as is the typically cynical comments of Day's secretary and friend (Eve Arden) on the antics of the others, and belatedly her own attempts at romance.

It actually works - a good musical which entertains, which is the purpose of most musicals. It's nice to recall that there was a time when our musical theater was welcomely naive and pleasant - not the musical of thought and discussion of the 1950s and 1960s - not the musical of the age of Sondheim, but only the musical of the age of Youmans, Gershwin, and Berlin.

Doris Day and Gordon MacRae a classic movie team

[Maverick1962 · 8/10 · 30 August 2013]

I've just watched this film for the first time having been able to buy the DVD. I've been such a huge fan of Doris Day and Gordon MacRae since the fifties so there is something magical about being able to view more of their films that I have never seen before. It's almost as if their careers have been extended to cover these missing decades to see previously unseen material. Perhaps other people know what I mean, I don't know. This was pure joy for me, a good quality DVD and the picture was quite sharp, not HD but still pretty good for it's age played on my Blu Ray player. Based on the play No No Nanette, it tells the flimsy story of Doris having to say NO until a certain time to win a bet with her uncle to fund a show, a lovely performance by S Z Sakall who provides much of the humour, as does Billy De Wolfe as the creepy stage manager. Eve Arden is the strong friend in the background and Patrice Wymore gives a spirited performance as Doris' rival for the lead in the show. There is a stunning dance routine by the underrated Gene Nelson (Will Parker in Oklahoma!) where he jumps onto a newel post on a winding staircase and tap dances up the banister, absolutely incredible. Not sure how he ranks along side Kelly, Astaire and O'Connor but he must be up there, although not so famous perhaps. This film contains some great hit songs which has to be the winner,particularly the title track, Tea for Two, and sung by Doris Day and my favourite baritone Gordon MacRae, it's just bliss. Anyone who is interested, just look on YouTube for Gordon MacRae and listen to that magnificent voice, no one like him.

A nice re-working of NO, NO NANETTE makes sparkling musical...

[Doylenf · 17 June 2002]

DORIS DAY and GORDON MacRAE are a pleasant team again in TEA FOR TWO, this time given some nifty song and dance routines and a supporting cast of old pros--Gene Nelson, Eve Arden, S.Z. Sakall, Patrice Wymore, and Billy deWolfe. The fluffy plot has Day promising Sakall that she'll say "no" to any question posed over the week-end, but is only an excuse for some wonderful old-time songs and some talented dancing by Day and Gene Nelson.

Day proves what a fine vocalist she is--and Gordon MacRae proves he's no slouch with his pleasant baritone voice. Gene Nelson does some fancy footwork and there are comic highlights with Eve Arden tossing off one-liners with her usual skill and Billy deWolfe reminding us what a wonderful comedian he could be with the right material.

Pleasant, above average entertainment, well worthwhile if you like these kind of fluffy musicals.

pleasant enough musical

[didi-5 · 7/10 · 25 January 2009]

Doris Day was involved in many musicals at Warners from 1948 onwards, and 'Tea for Two' is a typical example. Set in the stock market crash of 1929, this variation on 'putting on a show' has Day as both an heiress and a stage-struck singer and dancer, supported by her friends Jimmy the composer (Gordon MacRae, later to appear to good effect in 'Oklahoma' and 'Carousel'), and Tommy the hoofer (Gene Nelson, the cut-price Fred Astaire who ended up directing Elvis' minor musicals).

The score is nice but not that memorable - 'Tea for Two', 'No, No, Nanette', 'I Want To Be Happy', 'Do, Do, Do' - while the story, loosely based on the play No, No, Nanette concerns rivalries, lost investments, and a comic uncle (SZ Sakall, who played the same part in countless films throughout the 1940s and 1950s). Billy de Wolfe and Patrice Wymore round out the cast as a heel of a producer and his sniping leading lady.

As a film, 'Tea for Two' passes the time and boasts some great costumes and colour, even if most of the film doesn't have a 1929 feel. And the bookending sequences, with Sakall telling a tale to a roomful of children, doesn't quite sit with the rest of the material. But it isn't bad.

Day and MacRae sparkle but the movie fizzles

[adamsandel · 6/10 · 3 September 2021]

Doris and Gordon have delightful musical chemistry but this cobbled together backstage comedy (that has nothing to do with "No No Nanette") is kind of a dud. Both stars fare much better in the charming "On Moonlight Bay."

Despite a few spirited dance numbers, and the energetic (if light on charisma) Gene Nelson, it feels like all the A-List musical talent was locked up over at MGM.

The reliable Eve Arden is given some C-list wisecracks, SK Sakall tries his best with his trademark adorable apoplexy, but much of the comedy unfortunately falls into the less than capable hands of Billy DeWolfe.

Mostly, a tea-licious tea-light

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 20 July 2017]

Not one of Doris Day's or Gordon MacRae's best, individually or together. 'On Moonlight Bay' and 'By the Light of the Silvery Moon' (both among the best films for both stars) are better collaborations of theirs.

There is however a lot to like about 'Tea for Two', regardless of whether all those involved have done better in their careers. 'Tea for Two' could have been better certainly. One is aware that it has been well established that musicals are not really seen for their stories (whether it matters or not is wholly dependent on how well everything else is executed), but this story is so-so fluff at best and ridiculously daft at worst, the story being one of the most preposterous for any film musical made around this time.

Some of 'Tea for Two' feels under-directed, though not as much as the still enjoyable 'Lullaby of Broadway' (with the same director involved), more in the non-song and dance numbers than in the musical scenes themselves. This is particularly in the SZ Sakall book-ending sequences, despite Sakall's best efforts those sequences seemed under-rehearsed and added very little. Virginia Gibson's character was underwritten and in a way incomplete, there was a sense that the film wanted to do more with her but couldn't.

On the other hand, 'Tea for Two' looks great. Technicolor nearly always works wonderfully on film and particularly used to full advantage in musicals. It is a very lavishly produced film with a truly enchanting atmosphere. While not among the most memorable song scores, the songs are still incredibly pleasant and often very beautiful and puts one in a good mood, suiting the voices of Day and MacRae wonderfully. The title song, "I Only Have Eyes For You", "I Want to be Happy", "I Know that You Know" and Oh Me! Oh My!" are particularly good.

They are aided by some great choreography as well. The big standout is Gene Nelson's jaw-dropping banister sequence, which has to be seen to be believed. The script is witty and full of warm-hearted charm, a lot of the best lines coming from Eve Arden.

Day is luminous, looks very natural on screen and sings sublimely as always. MacRae would go on to better things but is charming, has a robust but beautiful baritone voice and his chemistry with Day is irresistible. Nelson once again proves himself to be quite the extraordinary dancer. Sakall plays the same character he usually does, but does it well so that doesn't matter so much, while Arden steals scenes with her terrific comic timing and witty lines. Even Billy DeWolfe, a take it or leave it performer whose shtick too often elsewhere doesn't hold up particularly well, is tolerable.

In conclusion, not perfect but a tea-licious tea-light (pardon the very cheesy pun, really struggled to come up with a review summary) that pours well. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Not bad, but not among Day and MacRea's best together

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 28 September 2013]

In the early 50s, Gordon MacRea and Doris Day made a couple cute period pictures together--"By the Light of the Silvery Moon" and "On Moonlight Bay". Both were essentially one long story about a nice family in the 1910s. There was singing but mostly the emphasis was on the comedy and character development. Just before they made these two wonderful films, they also made "Tea for Two" and, although pleasant, the film is clearly not in league with their later collaborations. Why? Because story and character development clearly are NOT that important--it's the music. Now for me, I like musicals but the story always must take precedence.

This story is told through a long flashback when Uncle Max (Cuddles Sakall) tells a group of kids (which includes a very young Elinor Donahue) the story of how Nanette (Day) lost her fortune and then miraculously got it back all because of a Broadway musical and a bet that Nanette cannot go 48 without saying 'no' to every question posed to her.

The plot, to put it lightly, is feather-light. It makes very little sense and seems to be there simply as a plot device to justify all the music by Day and MacRae. Some of that, by the way, is very nice. Oddly, however, the title song is, at least to me, one of the weakest tunes in the film. I did enjoy Sakall---as pretty much everyone enjoys him in films. Overall, enjoyable fluff but absolutely nothing more.

Bravo; Compared to this, today's "similar" movies are terrible.

[stasia · 10/10 · 26 July 2003]

An extreme pleasure to listen to the beautiful voices of MacCrae and Day; and not one bit of screaming. It was a pleasure to hear the songs sung as they were written. Today's performers(?) who have no range(except to scream and shout) merely change the tune when they can't reach the high notes.

Day Lite Saving Time

[writers_reign · 7/10 · 8 January 2010]

There are several reasons why anyone would go and see this; 1) They're a Doris Day buff, 2) they're into Broadway Musicals transposed to film or 3) they like 'real' songs, the kind with catchy and/or soaring melodies and literate lyrics. If we need a fourth selling point how about some classic 'supporting' actors not least Eve Arden, but not forgetting Billy DeWolfe and S.Z. 'Cuddles' Sakall. The plot, such as it is turns out to be a thin re-working of the Broadway hit No, No, Nanette, so thin in fact that they could have given a writing credit to Nick Charles. It's kicked off by one of the most unrealistic 'flashbacks' in movie history - which is saying something - when Zackall, coming upon the children of Day and MCrae wearing their parents old clothes and performing the Charlston (a ploy, incidentally, lifted straight from Coward's Bittersweet) proceeds to tell them how it really was back in 1929. The flashback opens with himself, learning via ticker-tape that the money he invested on behalf of his niece, Nanette (Day) is worthless, then switching to Day rehearsing song and dance with Gene Nelson and Gordon McCrae, something of which Zackall could have no direct knowledge, and then blithely following them separately and/or in groups. Of course in 1950 no one cared about sloppiness like this even in drama let alone a musical so best ignore it and revel in the score which, though uneven/unbalanced culled as it is from several sources, remains a fine example of great songwriting.

Just Say No For a Day

[wes-connors · 5/10 · 11 August 2007]

This film peaks near its beginning with a production number featuring Doris Day and Gene Nelson dancing with both an infinity mirrored wall and the New York skyline showing outside (of some huge windows). The later production number, a blend of "No, No Nanette" and "Tea for Two", is tellingly anti-climatic.

The plot is easy - Ms. Day has to say "No" to everything for a day. But, the movie goes on and on with several songs and dances having little/nothing to do with the story. Other characters and sub-plots are thrown in; with all the extra songs and dances, I have no trouble believing everything in this film was not in the original "No, No Nanette". Some of it all is very good - Day and MacRae sing well, Mr. Nelson dances well, and Eve Arden does her thing - but this feels more like a string of songs and scenes than a movie.

***** Tea for Two (9/1/50) David Butler ~ Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, Gene Nelson, Eve Arden

A true Classic

[johnmceuen · 10/10 · 19 November 2005]

Tea for Two is a true classic. One of the finest performances of Doris Day. Her innocence and demeanor are portrayed wonderfully. This is one of those movies that when you know it is coming on, you tune in with your loved one and a bowl of popcorn, snuggled up on the couch. They don't make movies like this anymore, that's for sure. The music and the dancing is divine! It takes you back in time, to a place where music is essential and a simple piano is all you need to get through the day. A beautiful love story. Doris Day at her best! This was the movie that not only inspired me to want to become a musician, but taught me about true love and being oneself. One of these days, I'm going to own an old inn and have dancers and musicians storm my house to perform. What an awesome rendition of No, No Nannette! Great JOB!

There's no depression to be found in this musical about the depression.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 3 May 2011]

In "Gold Diggers of 1933", New Yorkers were seen marching in breadlines to the tune of "My Forgotten Man". A list of Broadway theaters showed them to be mostly dark. But in this light-hearted musical, set just after the 1929 crash, there is none of that. Stockbroker S.Z. Sakall watches his niece's millions disappear into the red, not realizing that she (Doris Day) has just agreed to give $25,000 to Broadway producer boyfriend Billy DeWolfe and star in the show. Sakall quickly makes a deal with her-he will give her the money if she will not say "yes" to everything for 48 hours. Easy enough, but Sakall has every intention of making sure she doesn't win the bet. Secretary Eve Arden is assigned to spend the next 48 hours with her, and when Doris brings the entire cast of the show home to their Long Island estate, Sakall uses every opportunity to get her to utter the forbidden word. During all of this, Day realizes the truth about the vile DeWolfe and falls in love with the handsome leading man, Gordon MacRae.

This is not the plot of the 1925 musical "No No Nanette". That was the story of a bible salesman and his wife's efforts to keep an eye on their 18 year old niece Nanette, while she is scheming to flee to Atlantic City for a weekend. The only reference to that show (other than song and character names) is the assumption that the musical DeWolfe is producing is indeed that version of "No No Nanette". Several songs from the musical (which can be heard on the cast recording of the 1971 Broadway revival) are heard, and include "Tea For Two", "I Want to Be Happy", "Call of the Sea", and "No No Nanette". Other songs by other composers from the period of 1925-1935 are heard, including "Do Do Do" (from Gershin's "Oh, Kay!"), "Crazy Rhythm", and "I Only Have Eyes For You" (from Warner's 1934 film "Dames").

What you have is an early 50's version of what the depression must have been all about, which is funny considering that most of the creative team of this film were around during that time. Other than the fur coat and flapper dress worn by the children in the opening scene (which leads to the flashback telling of the story), the characters are not made up to look like what photos and films of the depression era showed them to be. The hairstyles are more late 40's than early 30's, and the outfits appear to be closer to post depression era. No matter, the film still remains extremely entertaining, with Day a lovely heroine, MacRae and Gene Nelson delightful as the juveniles, energetically singing and dancing along with Doris who proves herself to be a capable hoofer, proving that her dreams of dancing had not ended when she had a horrible car crash years before, breaking her leg.

Eve Arden gives her usually funny sarcastic performance. "Mine is not to reason why. Mine is but to do and dial", she says as Doris asks her to make a phone call. DeWolfe is funny in a sequence showing hopeful backers what the chorus girls will be doing, but overdoes it a bit in the Charleston scene. Patrice Wymore plays the stereotypically demanding Bebe Daniels type leading lady. (Ironically the part in "No No Nanette" that she lands ends up being the role that Helen Gallagher won the Tony Award as Best Actress in a Musical for, while Day is more appropriately presented in the role of the young Nanette.) Bill Goodwin makes the most out of a smaller part as Sakall's financial adviser who ends up in a brief romantic subplot with Arden.

I rank this high because there is a lot of humor and joy to be found throughout. It may not be as lavish as the musicals done over at MGM (where sometimes the musicals seemed a bit "overdone"), and the scenes onstage actually appear to fit in a Broadway theater. The "Nanette" sequence at the end is a delightful mini-movie of what the original production in 1925 may have looked like, although that was not during the depression. The film opens and closes with scenes set apparently in 1950 with Sakall discovering his great niece and nephew mocking the fashions and music of the late 1920's, giving them a lecture and a story of how wrong they were about an era they knew nothing about. This leads to a very funny conclusion with DeWolfe getting in the last word as one final reprise of the title song is sung by the romantic leads. It will bring a huge smile to your face just as it did to mine when I heard all of the great Vincent Youmans songs sung in a professional regional production of "No No Nanette" that shows that old fashioned entertainment is still the best kind.

Musical sugar cake from Warners...sweet but not very satisfying

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 26 April 2009]

In her fifth movie, Doris Day finally achieved top-billing, yet she shares the screen equally with a talented ensemble cast, with everyone working hard to inject some sparkle into a wafer-thin concoction. Inspired by the 1920s stage hit "No, No, Nanette" (itself filmed in 1940), this plays out as sort of the backstage story, with Doris betting her wealthy uncle that she won't say 'yes' for 48 hours in exchange for show-money. Unbeknownst to her, uncle S.Z. Sakall has been nearly ruined by the 1929 stock market crash which, incidentally, hasn't kept all the hoofers from hanging up their tap shoes (they're the merriest group of poor, working dancers I've ever seen!). Pleasant tunes, colorful costumes and fun dance routines (including a hair-raising bit with Gene Nelson on a staircase) can't really add excitement to the proceedings, which seems to have been made as a matinée quickie. Day shines (as usual), but her relationships with the men (Nelson, Gordon MacRae, and Billy De Wolf) are unclear, with De Wolf in particular a real wild card (would you believe him as a ladies' man stage producer?). Eve Arden has some funny asides, and the wrap-up is cute, but "Tea for Two" vanishes from the cup just as quickly as it is poured. ** from ****

Even for a young'un like me....I fancy this movie

[inhisgrace0072005 · 20 July 2004]

Since I was a child old movies made my day when they were on the television....Long before video tape machines. Nothing, in my mind, can replace any old movie. Black & white or Technicolour, they are done with class and taste. Now, anything goes. That is a shame. Enjoy this movie. Especially, the actor who plays Doris' uncle. Can' remember his name just now.

Pillow Talk is another Doris Day film I would suggest. Her acting is so wonderful to watch. I have yet to see her act the same way in any movie I have had the pleasure to see. She is one of a kind. Her smile, her singing: Amazing!

Funny and Delightful Comedy

[elo-equipamentos · 7/10 · 26 March 2017]

Musical comedy is pleasant to watch like Tea for Two, the plot in interesting and apart Doris Day who is a true star the supporting casting is strong enough to hold the picture, S Z Sakall is amazing who are in trouble with the financial problems and Billy the Wolfe is a priceless acting as crook, sadly the songs is weak really, Gordon MacRae isn't a good enough, nevertheless the gags situations is funny, also have beauty girls everywhere!!

HEY LET'S PUT UPON A SHOW...!

[masonfisk · 7/10 · 10 June 2021]

Similar in story to Summer Stock, a struggling acting troupe tries to raise funds to put on a show on Broadway during the depression so the unscrupulous producer hits up his rich girlfriend for the money only to find out her uncle, her benefactor, is cash poor. Starring Doris Day (in one of her rare dance performances) & Gordon MacRae (I remember him from the Lucy Show in the 70's) the film never failed to leave a smile on my face. Look for Eve Arden (the principal from Rydell High in Grease) stealing every scene she's in w/her barbed delivery & witty comebacks.

slightly above average musical

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 27 August 2023]

Uncle Max (S. Z. Sakall) comes upon the kids making fun of their grandparents. He tells them about the old days in 1929. New York socialite Nanette Carter (Doris Day) invests in a Broadway show for her producer boyfriend Larry Blair (Billy De Wolfe). Little does she know. Her friend Jimmy Smith (Gordon MacRae) is holding a flame for her. Larry is a womanizer and uncle Max lost her money in the market crash. Max is told to say No more and Nanette jumps on it as a bet. She would say No to everything for 24 hours to get a loan from him.

I don't like the guys. I don't know why she's with Larry. He's one step away from the villain who ties the damsel to the train tracks. On the other hand, Jimmy is dull. He plays the piano but has no great dialogue. Doris Day is being her adorable self. They basically do more dancing than trying to build the romance. This musical does have plenty of song and dance. There are a few good songs and people doing good old fashion dance numbers. The No premise is slightly humorous. It's a pleasant and slightly above average 50's musical.

"She's got money they haven't even printed yet"

[hwg1957-102-265704 · 6/10 · 25 December 2020]

There is Gordon MacRae warbling, Gene Nelson hoofing, Doris Day singing and dancing, S.Z. Sakall being amusingly himself and Eve Arden cracking witty one-liners to the the manner born. Not to mention a roster of great songs all filmed in lovely 'Technicolour' It all adds up to an entertaining film. The plot, based loosely on 'No, No, Nanette, is no great shakes and Billy De Wolfe's comic role gets tiresome but overall it is a most pleasant movie.

Love This Movie!

[LadyTruckerjc · 10/10 · 19 April 2008]

I love musicals in general, but this is one of my favorites! Definitely 10 out of 10. With Doris Day in it... how can it go wrong! With an Uncle who is beside himself with the knowledge that her family money is gone and they are now broke, (because of the sudden "crash" of the stock market), he just can't bring himself to tell her. So when she wants to invest her money in a theatrical play (with herself in the lead), her Uncle makes her promise to say "No" to everything for 24 hours then he'll say OK. But.... Anything and everything happens in that 24 hours. Fun and light-hearted! A perfect combination of musical singing, acting,and comedy. I am just hoping Warner Bros will come out with it on DVD soon! hint hint :)

This is a "blah" musical

[larry-labati · 3/10 · 15 May 2009]

I am normally a very big fan of Doris Day, but this film was certainly not one of her best.

The following year's "I'll See You in My Dreams" is so much better, plot-wise, music wise, and especially "acting-wise".

Some of the songs are quite enjoyable to hear, however, the production numbers are very "clunkily" staged, and the fact that this film is supposed to be set in late 20's and no attempt is made at authentic period detail (except for the cars) is really quite annoying, and does takeaway from the overall enjoyment of the musical.

Not terrible, but definitely not Doris' best.

Surprisingly, I have heard that this was one of the biggest "hits" of 1950. Huh??

Delightful. Surprisingly well done.

[kenwest · 8/10 · 12 November 2010]

OK, so the plot is far fetched; but the songs are classic, the singing is great, the dancing is sometimes amazing, the stars are fresh and cheerful -- it's just a great hour and a half of enjoyment.

Early Doris Day shows why she was to become the biggest box-office draw of the mid '50s. Perfect pitch, perfect demeanour, perfect pertness -- a happy delight whatever your mood.

And, if for no other reason than Eve Arden's cut and thrust, which made me laugh out loud, literally, this is worth watching, and enjoying. They just don't write lines like that any more.

It is, as they say, what it is, and what it is is worth an 8.

Silly but funny and still watchable.

[hfhfdfse · 4/10 · 27 July 2006]

Doris Day (I mean the character she portrays) is trying to win over her uncle to sponsor a new Broadway show in which she is going to star. Needless to say that her uncle is less than happy about the prospect: he is sure that the show is going to be a failure and he is going to loose all his money. Doris bets him that she can reply "no" to every single one question she is asked within a 24 hour time frame. If she wins, he will have to give her the money she needs. Of course, this bet is followed by a series of funny situations. Some are brilliant, some are silly but still there is a lot to laugh at in this film. For example, when Doris is asked by a police officer "Do you know your name?", she says with dignity "No". Sure, it is not a masterpiece but some will find it very amusing. If there is no better prospect than spending a lonely evening at home, why not to watch Tea For Two. S z Sakall is very funny as uncle Max, Eve Arden who plays the secretary is very good, she's got the best lines in the film and says them in the way which Goldie Hawn would be proud of. Why did not she get the Best Supporting Actress Oscar?

Simply Spectacular!

[Billy-34 · 25 October 1998]

Doris Day at her best! This film made me a fan. I love you Doris...and hope you are blessed knowing you've lifted my spirits many times. The color is out of this world in this bright cheerful film too.

Eve Arden: The World Will Remember

[krains · 10/10 · 26 July 2006]

It's on her tombstone at the cemetery in Westwood, a few paces down from Marilyn Monroe. See her movies and you will know why.

Also see or hear "Our Miss Brooks" from radio or TV if you can find it. The movie version was not so great.

Interesting trivia is that Doris and DeWolfe were great friends and he later appeared on her TV show playing the same type of character. Hmm, wonder if Rock and Paul Lynde ever guested on that show?

"Cuddles" S.Z. is adorable as ever here, but it's Eve's line, (you can swear she's staring into the camera) "Does this strike anyone else as being totally imbecilic?" which sums up the movie...