Love Me or Leave Me (1955)

Another film in which Doris Day has an opportunity to show that she's more than light, fluffy comedies is Love Me or Leave Me, a musical romantic drama from 1955.  Also starring James Cagney and featuring Cameron Mitchell, Robert Keith, and Tom Tully in support, this Charles Vidor film is based on the life of 20's and 30's singer, Ruth Etting.  The film received six Academy Award nominations in all, coming away with the win in the Best Writing category.

In 1920's Chicago, taxi dancer Ruth Etting (Doris Day), tired of being pawed by men and wanting to embark on a singing career, is hoping for her big break, which soon arrives, in the person of Marty Snyder (James Cagney). Called "The Gimp" because of the limp he has, Marty---who is a local gangster---uses his connections to get Ruth first a dance gig, then a singing one.  Although Ruth's piano player, Johnny (Cameron Mitchell), warns her that Marty is bad news and that his help will come with a price, Ruth blows him off.  She knows she could eventually make it on her own, but since doing so means success won't come as quickly as she wants, she's willing to let Marty pave the way for her.

With Marty as her manager, Ruth soon finds herself on the radio and part of the Ziegfeld Follies. She has become the sensation she always dreamed of being, but Marty, wanting to maintain control of Ruth's career, makes a scene, which embarrasses Ruth and brings her to the place of trying to break from him.  For Marty, though, it's time for Ruth to payoff---he brought her where she is, and he won't be pushed aside any longer.  The two marry and head to Hollywood, where Marty has obtained a picture deal for Ruth.

As the film plays out, Ruth is reunited with piano player Johnny, causing the angry, hot-tempered Marty to explode in a jealous rage.





Neither lead character in this film is particularly likable.  While Day's character is not physically abusive as Cagney's is, I, nevertheless, found her to be an unlikable sort.  Ruth was a user, taking Marty for what he could do for her career, then dumping him when she no longer needed him.  I found it hard to root for her.  Despite unlikable characters, however, Love Me or Leave Me has many other things going for it.

First of all, the acting is brilliant.  Both Miss Day and Mr. Cagney are magnificent. Mr. Cagney received his final Academy Award nomination for his work here, and Doris, while not being recognized by The Academy, was praised by Mr. Cagney.  In his autobiography, Cagney by Cagney, he says "She had matured into a really exceptional actress, and I told her so.  I said, "You know, girl, you have a quality that I've seen but twice before.  There was a gal named Pauline Lord who created the title role in Eugene O'Neill's, Anna Christie, and I'm also thinking of Laurette Taylor.  Both these ladies could really get on there and do it with everything.  They could take you apart playing a scene.  Now, you're the third one."   He further went on to say that "After Love Me or Leave Me, Doris went into the Pillow Talk things, and I for one have always considered that one hell of a waste."  Doris had to be thrilled with those words.  To have James Cagney---whom I think may be the finest actor there has ever been---praising one's abilities has to be almost as wonderful as receiving an Academy Award.

The music in this film is spectacular!  Doris sings close to a dozen songs, including "It All Depends on You" and "You Made Me Love You."  It's always a joy to hear her beautiful voice in song. Additionally, Miss Day's gowns are simply stunning, though definitely not the "girl next door" type fans had come to expect to see her in.  According to Doris's autobiography, Love Me or Leave Me was the film she considered to be her best.

Mr. Cagney was enamored of the script for Love Me or Leave Me at first glance.  According to his autobiography, it was one of those "rare, perfect scripts that needed nothing added to it, nor nothing taken away from it."  It was a role that had at first been offered to Spencer Tracy, who turned it down.  Mr. Cagney never knew why Mr. Tracy had turned the role down, saying that "it was a damned good part."

According to Robert Osborne, when this film was originally in the works, George Cukor was to have directed and Ava Gardner was to have been the female lead.  For whatever reason, those roles went to Vidor and Day, and when Cukor and Gardner saw the film, they were wowed, and Ava said something to the effect of "We made a big mistake" to which Cukor responded, "No, we didn't.  If we had made it, it wouldn't have been that good."

Even if you've never heard of Ruth Etting, this film is definitely worth seeing, especially for Doris Day and James Cagney fans.  It's easily a 4-star film in my mind (more like 4.5...and extremely close to 5 stars).  Out on DVD, it should be fairly easy to track down.

Happy viewing!!

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

Though Doris Day is most commonly associated with musicals and light comedies, she could definitely hold her own (and more!) in dramatic films, as evidenced in Alfred Hitchock's 1956 political thriller, The Man Who Knew Too Much.  Also starring James Stewart, this film is a remake of Mr. Hitchcock's 1933 film of the same name.

Vacationing in French Morocco are Americans Ben and Jo McKenna (Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day) and their young son, Hank.  While on a bus enroute to Marakech, they make the acquaintance of Frenchman, Louis Bernard, and although the man's intrusive questions about their lives are disconcerting to Jo, the McKenna's make plans to meet him for dinner and drinks a bit later.  

After a sinister-looking man comes to his door, however, Mr. Bernard cancels his dinner plans with the McKennas, leaving them to make the acquaintance of a vacationing British couple. Taking to one another immediately, the two couples become friends and even visit an outdoor marketplace together the next morning.

While in the market area, a stabbing takes place, and just before dying, the stabbed man---who turns out to be Louis Bernard---approaches Ben and whispers information about an assassination soon to take place.  Immediately, Ben and Jo are whisked off to the police department, while their new friend offers to keep their son for them.  Although Ben might consider telling the authorities what he knows about Bernard's killing and the man's final message, he is soon made aware that Hank will be harmed if he does.  By the time Ben and Jo return to their hotel (from the police station), Hank has been kidnapped.

It's every parent's worst nightmare, as the McKennas travel from Morocco to England in order to rescue their son, all the while knowing that sometime, somewhere, an assassination will be attempted.  How everything plays out is the balance of the film.



Very suspenseful, with much political intrigue, The Man Who Knew Too Much is an interesting, enjoyable, well-acted film.  Both Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day are extremely believable in their roles, and they play well off each other.  The part of the assassin (Reggie Nalder) is perfectly cast.  With burn scars on his lower face, Mr. Nalder certainly presents a mysterious, almost sinister-looking figure, making him completely perfect for his role.  The Albert Hall scenes are magnificent, with Hitchcock brilliance evidenced throughout.  Finally, there are a couple opportunities to catch Doris Day's lovely, melodious voice, as she sings the film's Academy Award-winning song---"Que Sera Sera." 

Since I have never seen the original version of this film, I can't compare the two.  However, I really enjoyed this and am giving it 4 out of 5 stars.  Out on DVD, it should be easy to track down.

Happy viewing!!

Send Me No Flowers (1964)

Regular readers of They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To know that I don't lean much to comedy.  Of my 40 all-time favorite movies, only five of them are comedies---and two of those I would classify more as dramedies than out-and-out comedies.  Despite my usual lack of tolerance for that genre, though, for some reason, the three romantic comedies pairing Doris Day and Rock Hudson quite appeal to me.  In fact, I actually love and 5-star two of them, one of which is 1964's Send Me No Flowers.  Also starring Tony Randall and featuring Paul Lynde and Clint Walker in small roles, Send Me No Flowers is the final of Rock and Doris's three pairings.

A hypochondriac to the max, George Kimball (Rock Hudson) is convinced he is dying. Although he had seen his doctor and had a complete check-up two weeks earlier, he is sure that the pain in his chest means he's on his last legs, so he makes another trip to his doctor's office.  After listening to George's heart, the diagnosis is indigestion, and George is sent home with another bottle of pills, to add to his already-burgeoning medicine cabinet.  At George's previous visit, the doctor had taken a cardiogram, the results of which have not come back yet.  While George is in the restroom, the doctor takes a phone call about one of his other patients---a man who is dying. Overhearing the doctor's side of the conversation, George is certain he is the patient being discussed and that the results of the cardiogram indicate it is he who has only a few weeks to live.

Determining that it would be best to not tell his wife, Judy (Doris Day), the horrible news---lest she go to pieces---George shares the news of his "condition" with neighbor/friend, Arnold (Tony Randall) and then sets out to be sure Judy will be taken care of after his "death."  He purchases cemetery plots, dictates a goodbye message, then attempts to set her up with another man (Clint Walker).  Through a series of misunderstandings, Judy comes to believe that George is actually having an affair with a neighbor lady, and she kicks him out of the house.  When he attempts to explain the situation, Judy doesn't believe a word he says, and George finds himself further in the doghouse.

Does George ever realize that the doctor was talking about another patient and that he really has nothing wrong with him?  Does Judy figure out why George is pushing her into the arms of another man?  Does she believe him when he insists he is not having an affair?  Those are the questions which play out in the remainder of the film.



For a variety of reasons, I find Send Me No Flowers to be a completely delightful film.  For one thing, the chemistry between Rock and Doris is awesome.  I know Rock was gay and that there was never anything more than deep friendship between the two of them, but, boy, they could have fooled anyone.  They are amazing together, and that is part of what makes this film work for me.

Another reason I love the film is that I completely relate to it.  Twenty years ago, I was the kind of hypochondriac George Kimball is.  I was continually convinced that I had every form of cancer there is and that I was going to die before six months was up.  I remember my son's 3rd birthday in November, 1994.  Though I wouldn't be diagnosed for a few more days, I had pneumonia at the time, and I was horribly sick.  I remember crying to my mother-in-law at my son's birthday party, telling her that that was the last of Garrett's birthdays I would ever see.  I was completely and totally convinced I was dying.  AND, my daughter has inherited this propensity to hypochondria, having every form of cancer there is herself.  A black and blue mark, and she's convinced she has leukemia, a headache, and she's convinced it's a brain tumor, etc.  So, as we watch George Kimball obsess about his ailments, my daughter and I howl with laughter, seeing ourselves in the entire situation, thereby making the film even more amusing to us.

Tony Randall, as the Kimball's next-door-neighbor, and Paul Lynde, as the cemetery salesman, are both quite hilarious in their roles.  Doris is her usual perky, lovely self.  She sports some beautiful outfits here, especially her bright green suit.  Rock is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.   And, finally, Doris sings the film's theme song.  All those things combine to make this a film I absolutely love.

Out on DVD, Send Me No Flowers should be quite easy to track down.  If you like Pillow Talk, I'm sure you will enjoy this film as well.  It's a definite 5-star, "love it" film for me, and I highly recommend it.

Happy viewing!!

The Winning Team (1952)

Here at They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To, April is Doris Day month...with a little bit of baseball thrown in.  As it turns out, with 1952's The Winning Team we will get both!  Also starring Ronald Reagan, and featuring Frank Lovejoy in a supporting role, this 4-star film chronicles the career of early 20th-century pitching great, Grover Cleveland Alexander.

A telephone lineman in rural Nebraska, Grover Alexander (Ronald Reagan) and his fiance Aimee (Doris Day) are saving money so they can get married and buy a farm.  What Grover really wants to do, though, is play baseball, so when he is asked to pitch in a local game, he does so...to Aimee's great dismay.  Although Aimee insists that baseball shouldn't be Grover's whole life...that it should just be something to help him relax---like checkers---when the manager of a semi-professional team approaches him about joining the team, Grover does so, and he finds success, which leads him right into the Major Leagues and, ultimately, to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

From his 28-wins rookie season in 1911, to his final season nearly two decades later, Grover Alexander made a name for himself as one of the pitching greats of baseball history.  Playing for Philadelphia, Chicago (Cubs), and St. Louis, over the course of 20 seasons, Grover---known as Alex the Great---fought the effects of a head injury which resulted in double-vision and seizure-type symptoms, as well as the demon of alcohol abuse, in order to become one of the greatest pitchers in baseball.  He was even instrumental in leading his team to a come-from-behind victory in the 1926 World Series.



This is an inspiring story, and the pairing of Doris Day and Ronald Reagan makes for a "winning team" for me.  There is great chemistry between them, and they both are strong and solid in their roles.  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I believe a lot of people discount Ronald Reagan as an actor simply because they don't like his politics.  No, he's not the best actor who ever came down the pike, but he's certainly not the worst.  He's very capable and solid in several roles, not the least of which is this one.  So, set politics aside, put your "objective" hat on, and give him a chance in this---and other---dramatic roles.

The film also provides an opportunity to hear the delightful melodious voice of Doris Day, as she sings a couple lines of (what else) "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."  Russ Tamblyn (billed as Rusty Tamblyn) has a very tiny role as one of Grover's younger siblings.  Finally, there's some real baseball footage, including shots of the now-destroyed Yankee Stadium.

The final innings of the final game of the movie (the 1926 World Series) are depicted fairly accurately, although not completely.  I checked in my son's book, 20th Century Baseball Chronicle, and found that things didn't happen exactly as shown in the movie.  The end result was the same, but Hollywood took a bit of license.  Be sure to check out what really happened....and should you be interested in learning a bit more about this Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, HERE is an encyclopedia article about him.

Out on DVD as part of the Ronald Reagan Collection, The Winning Team should be fairly easy to track down.  Additionally, it is on the TCM schedule for Friday, July 19th, at 6:00 p.m. (ET). For baseball fans---especially those who are interested in learning about the all-time greats---I think this film is well worth a watch.

Happy viewing!!

Young Man with a Horn (1950)

For the most part, when we think of musicals, we think of warm, fuzzy, feel-good stuff; rarely, do we expect a meaty, hard-hitting, incredibly-acted drama to fall within the musical genre. With 1950's Young Man with a Horn, we definitely get it all---powerful drama, fantastic acting, and terrific music.  Starring Kirk Douglas, Lauren Bacall, and Doris Day, this Michael Curtiz film is not only loaded with music, but it has a riveting storyline, brought to life through simply sensational acting, especially that of Kirk Douglas.  Featuring Hoagy Carmichael and Juano Hernandez in supporting roles, Young Man with a Horn is a 4-star film for me.

Rather neglected by the older sister who is raising him, Rick Martin (Orley Lindgren) finds what he's looking for in music.  Fascinated by the piano in a local mission church, Rick teaches himself to play by ear.  Before long, though, needing a more affordable instrument---and one he can carry with him---he transfers his interest to the trumpet, and under the tutelage of blues musician, Art Hazzard (Juano Hernandez), Rick quickly masters the beautiful brass piece.
  

As the years go by and young Rick becomes a man (now played by Kirk Douglas), his love for music becomes his all in all.  He's an intense man, not much interested in having friends or a social life...just in hitting a note that has never been hit before.  Landing a job in a dance orchestra, he has a hard time adhering to the rigid rules of the bandleader, desiring, instead, to shake things up a bit with some jazzier tunes.

The band's singer, Jo Jordan (Doris Day), and piano man, Smoke Willoughby (Hoagy Carmichael) look past Rick's driven, hard-to-get-along-with personality and become good friends.  When Rick's rebellious ways get him fired from the band, Jo helps him land another gig; however, Rick's passion for his music and his desire to do something that's never been done before, continue to consume him.

After getting involved with and marrying a troubled medical student (Lauren Bacall), Rick's life and career spiral downward, ultimately taking him to rock bottom.

Only with the love and support of true friends, Jo and Smoke, will this troubled man be able to pull himself up from the gutter and get his life in order.  How it all plays out is the balance of the film.




Young Man with a Horn is a completely riveting film, and it provides an opportunity to hear the lovely voice of Doris Day perform four different numbers.  Kirk Douglas's acting is sensational.  Up until about ten months ago, I would have said that I didn't much care for Mr. Douglas.  Since that time, though, I've seen a few of his films (including two which were among my 5-star film discoveries of 2012), and I have been blown away by the performance he gives. My appreciation for him has grown by leaps and bounds, and I've recently begun including him on my favorite actor list.  Here in Young Man with a Horn, he is so into the role that there are times the obsessive glint in his eyes is positively maniacal---completely intense and in definite keeping with his driven character.  Although Mr. Douglas's trumpet sounds were provided by Harry James, his playing looked authentic to me.

Appropriately hard and cold, Lauren Bacall plays her unlikable character to perfection.  Miss Bacall was 26 years old here---hard to believe...she looked significantly older...like 35 or 40! Doris Day is her usual lovely self and is very solid in her role as well; having a chance to hear her sing is always a delight. And Juano Hernandez is wonderful!  I loved his character, and I think he brought him to life beautifully.  The music of the film is the icing on the cake---there is lots of it, and it is terrific, all made available in a separate soundtrack.

Out on DVD, this film should be easy to track down.  It is also on the TCM schedule for Thursday, May 30th at 3:30 a.m. (ET).  Fans of Kirk Douglas, Lauren Bacall, Doris Day, or jazz music ought to really enjoy this one.

Happy viewing!!

Happy Birthday, Doris Day!!

Happy 89th birthday to one of my top-25 favorite actresses---the completely adorable and always-delightful Doris Day!!  (April 3, 1924)

Born Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff, this lovely lady began her show business career as a singer, working with Bob Crosby's and Les Brown's bands.  Her first film role came in 1948, with Romance on the High Seas, and for the next several years after that, the majority of her films were musical comedies.  Doris was capable of much more than just lighthearted roles, though, as her career would bear out with such dramatic films as Love Me Or Leave Me and The Man Who Knew Too Much.

After ending her film career in the late 1960's, the sweet and perky Doris moved on to television. Her series The Doris Day Show ran for five seasons.  I remember watching it when I was a kid. Of course, I had no idea at the time that Miss Day had been a "movie star" before I saw her on TV.  Nor did I know that she would become one of my 25 all-time favorite actresses!

My all-time favorite Doris Day film is Pillow Talk (reviewed HERE).  One of the three films she made with Rock Hudson, this delightful romantic comedy is among my 25 favorite movies of all-time...despite the fact that I don't generally lean to comedy.

Rounding out my list of five favorite Doris Day films are:

2.  Send Me No Flowers  (with Rock Hudson---reviewed HERE)

3.  Love Me or Leave Me  (with James Cagney---reviewed HERE)

4.  Teacher's Pet  (with Clark Gable---reviewed HERE)

5.  Storm Warning  (with Ginger Rogers and Ronald Reagan---reviewed HERE)

So, Miss Doris Day, happy 89th birthday to you!!  I hope your birthday finds you in good health and surrounded by family and friends.  You will always be one of my top-25 favorite actresses. Thank you for bringing so much enjoyment to my life through so many wonderful movies!!

What's Happening in April

This month will be mostly Doris Day here at They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To.  The delightful Doris turns 89 this month, so to celebrate her, I'll be showcasing several of her films...musicals, comedies, and even some dramas.

Also on the agenda will be a few baseball films.  With a Red Sox-lovin' son in the house, I have learned to eagerly anticipate the beginning of a new baseball season, and in honor of the beloved game, I'll be focusing on some baseball films, including my all-time favorite baseball film---The Pride of the Yankees.

I'll also be taking part in The Movie Projector's James Cagney blogathon, highlighting that quintessential gangster film, The Public Enemy.

With nearly thirty bloggers taking part in the 5-day celebration of Mr. Cagney, it's sure to be a terrific event, and it will be capped off with a giveaway of the 2-disc collector's edition of Yankee Doodle Dandy (see HERE for more information).  What fan of the great James Cagney wouldn't be interested in a chance to win such a great prize.

It promises to be a fun and busy month...join me, won't you?

Teacher's Pet (4 stars)

Teacher's Pet, from 1958, is a delightful romantic comedy starring Clark Gable, Doris Day, and Gig Young.  Since I am loading up on Mr. Gable's films this month in honor of his birthday, a re-watch of this fun movie was an absolute essential.

News reporter Jim Gannon (Gable), who believes on-the-job-training is far superior to a college education, has been invited to give a guest lecture at an evening journalism class.  Completely opposed to women teachers and journalism classes, Jim has no intention of doing such a lecture and, in response, fires off a condescending refusal to Professor Erica Stone (Doris Day).  His supervisor, however, gives him no choice in the matter, so Jim heads off to Miss Stone's classroom, where he is mistakenly assumed to be a new student.

Much to Jim's amazement, the professor is young and pretty...not at all what he had been expecting, and when she reads aloud the letter from Jim Gannon and makes very clear her disdain for him---without knowing he is sitting in her classroom---Jim realizes he cannot tell her who he is.  Taking on the name of Jim Gallagher and telling Professor Stone that he is in the paper business (wallpaper), he enrolls in the class; his writing skills so impress Miss Stone that she suggests he look into a full-time career in the journalism field.

By now interested in the pretty teacher, Jim---as Gannon, not Gallagher---tries to make amends for his boorish letter; Erica, however, still despising the rude newspaperman, refuses to take his calls, causing Jim to continue the charade.   It is journalism student Jim Gallagher who Erica is beginning to fall for...Jim Gallagher who she is kissing.  What will happen when she discovers that Jim Gallagher is really Jim Gannon---a man she despises (a bit of Pillow Talk in this scenario.)?  What happens to Jim when his conscience begins to bother him and he wants to come clean with Erica about his real identity?  And what about Dr. Hugo Pine (Gig Young) and his ongoing presence in Professor Stone's life?

Teacher's Pet is adorable and hilarious and, I think, perfectly cast.  Clark Gable was one of those actors who was equally successful at both comedy and drama, and here near the tail end of his career, he is simply wonderful.  His expressions are priceless---especially during the scene in which his flighty "girlfriend," Peggy, is singing in the nightclub.

Doris Day is her usual sweet, winsome self.  She was "typical Doris" so many times...not the least of which was when Clark kissed her in her office.  Her squeal of "Mr. Gallagher!" reminded me so much of how she responded to Rock Hudson's characters in their three films together.

Speaking of Rock Hudson, Doris and he had simply amazing chemistry; however, her chemistry with Clark Gable here in Teacher's Pet was equally wonderful.  I thought the two of them were completely charming together.  I've seen reviews of this film in which people maintain Gable was too old for this role (he was 57).  I'm not on that page at all.  Doris was 36 here, and I definitely don't think a 21-year age span is too great.  I thought they were both perfectly cast, that they played well off each other, and that they made a delightful couple.

Gig Young was great in his role as well; in fact, he received a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nomination for his work here.  He is especially funny in the scene where he is nursing a hangover.

All in all, Teacher's Pet is a wonderfully enjoyable, entertaining movie, which I highly recommend.  The film is out on DVD, so I would imagine it would be pretty easy to track down.

Happy viewing!!

Storm Warning (4 stars)

Storm Warning, a hard-hitting 1951 drama that explores some very intense issues, including the ugly blight of the Ku Klux Klan, is definitely not a feel-good movie.  Directed by Stuart Heisler, it stars Ginger Rogers, Ronald Reagan, Doris Day, and Steve Cochran.  Our family chose to watch this last night in honor of Doris Day's 87th birthday; however, it's really Ginger's movie.  She gets top billing, and she more than steals the show.  She's totally fabulous, and since my husband adores Ginger and was in need of a fix, we chose to watch Storm Warning.  But even though it was totally Ginger's movie, Ronald Reagan, Doris Day, and Steve Cochran were all terrific in their roles.  Really, if anyone thinks Doris was all musicals and comedies, this is one of several movies they need to watch in order to be enlightened.

The story begins when Marsha Mitchell (Ginger), while on a business trip, stops off in the small Southern town of Rockpoint in order to visit her sister Lucy (Doris).  Lucy has recently gotten married to Hank Rice (Steve Cochran), whom Marsha has never met before.  So, late one evening, she steps off the bus and into a horrifying new world.

Marsha barely gets out of the bus depot before all the businesses nearby turn off their lights and shut down.  The few people she runs into are unfriendly and unhelpful; in fact, the cab driver won't even give her a lift.  So, after quickly checking her large suitcase at the bus station, Marsha begins the long walk to Lucy's place of employment.  Within minutes, though, she hears shouts and then watches a lynch mob attacking a man, even shooting him in the back and killing him.  As Marsha hides in the shadows of a building, she gets a clear view of the mob; although most remained in their white-hooded Ku Klux Klan robes, two of the men...one of them being the man who fired the deadly shots...have removed their hoods, and Marsha is able to see their faces clearly.

Sickened by what she has witnessed, Marsha is extremely distraught when she finally connects with her sister.  But she is even more distraught when she is introduced to her new brother-in-law and discovers that  he was part of the lynch mob and that he was the one who fired the deadly shots.  Despising Hank, yet not wanting to hurt Lucy, Marsha doesn't want to get involved and decides she will just hightail it out of town the next morning.

County Prosecutor Burt Rainey (Reagan) is positive that the man's death was the work of the Klan; however, as has been the case with many activities that have taken place in Rockpoint, no one ever sees anything, no one is ever willing to testify against the Klan.  And without a witness to back him up, Rainey never has a case.  This time, though, he is determined to indict the Klan, and after learning that Marsha had checked her suitcase at the bus station only minutes before the murder, he brings her to his office for questioning.

Although Marsha doesn't reveal the identity of the two men she clearly saw, she does tell Prosecutor Rainey that the mob were all wearing hoods.  That is exactly what Burt needed to hear in order to pin the crime on the Klan; however, in order to get an indictment, he needs Marsha to testify to that, and he subpoenas her.  Now Marsha can't leave town as planned. On the other hand, the Klan head, who has learned that Marsha witnessed the crime, tells her that if she testifies that it was the Klan, then her brother-in-law will be fingered as the guilty party and hanged.  How can she do that to her sister?

Burt Rainey is having a similar dilemma.  Over and over, his colleagues counsel him to drop the case, saying it is political suicide to try to indict the Klan, that he will never win another election in Rockpoint again.  How can he prosecute the very people whose votes he needs to stay in office?

So, how do Burt and Marsha resolve their moral dilemmas?  What will they do?  Will they do what they think is right even when it is to their detriment to do so?  Well the remainder of the movie chronicles the choices they both make, so in order to find out, you will have to watch for yourself.

Storm Warning is a very good message movie, and I highly recommend it.  It's out on DVD and should be readily available and quite easy to track down.

Happy viewing!!

Pillow Talk (5 stars)

Pillow Talk, from 1959, is a fabulous romantic comedy starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson.  Paired together in three movies (Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back, and Send Me No Flowers), Day and Hudson had amazing chemistry together.  Though all three movies are wonderful, Pillow Talk, without question, is my favorite.

Doris, who is her usual perky, lovely, delightful self, plays interior designer Jan Morrow; Rock, who is beyond gorgeous in this movie, is womanizing songwriter Brad Allen.  Jan and Brad happen to share a party line, which is a matter of great consternation to Jan, because Brad monopolizes the phone as he sings love songs to a multitude of different women, making it nearly impossible for Jan to use the line herself.  Irritated, Jan chews Brad out while he's in the middle of serenading one of his women, and then she proceeds to report his behavior to the phone company.  However, when the phone company sends one of their workers out to investigate, Brad charms her, and, therefore, Jan's complaints aren't taken seriously.

Though Brad and Jan have never met face to face, they both believe they know the other.  To Jan, Brad is nothing more than a playboy, and she detests him.  And to Brad, Jan is just a frustrated old maid who is jealous because a man isn't serenading her.  When by chance, they both happen to be at a night club one evening, and Brad discovers that Jan is a beautiful woman, he is instantly attracted to her.  Plus, he wants to prove to her that even she can fall victim to his charms.

So, introducing himself to Jan as Texas ranch man, Rex Stetson, Brad begins romancing her, and before long, Jan has fallen in love with him.  But how will she feel about him when she finds out he is none other than her playboy party line man, Brad Allen? 

Pillow Talk is an absolute scream.  There are several really hysterical moments in this movie, especially once Rex Stetson appears on the scene.  From the faked Texas accent, to asking for a dip recipe, to the times he goes back into Brad Allen mode and calls Jan on the phone to "warn" her about her Texas boyfriend, the laughs are plenty.  Oh, and the visit to the OB/GYN office is also hysterical.

The delightful Thelma Ritter, who is one of my favorite supporting actresses, is great here, as Doris's housekeeper.  Thelma adds so much life to ANY movie in which she appears.  She's loads of fun here, as she happens to enjoy listening to Brad serenade his many women and, therefore, isn't much on Jan's side about him.

Anyhow, Pillow Talk is one of the best romantic comedies I've ever seen, and as I said, Rock's totally gorgeous, and the chemistry between him and Doris is fabulous.  Definitely be sure to see this one.  It's out on DVD and should be very easy to track down.

Happy viewing!!