Search - I'll See You in My Dreams on DVD

DAY, THOMAS AND CURTIZ BRING SWEET "DREAMS"

Paul Brogan | Portsmouth, NH United States | 12/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Warner Brothers released "I'll See You in My Dreams" during the holiday season in 1951. It was the Christmas attraction at the famed Radio City Music Hall where it packed them in for many, many weeks. It deserved that success.
The story of lyricist Gus Kahn works extremely well for a number of reasons. Unlike the Warners biopics of the 1940's including "Night and Day" (Cole Porter) and "Rhapsody in Blue" (George Gershwin), which often played loose with the facts, ditto several MGM biographies from that same period, "I'll See You in My Dreams" has more grit and depth on several levels.
Director Michael Curtiz ("Casablanca") shot his film in black and white, which was unusual in that most Doris Day musicals at Warner Brothers were given glossy, technicolor productions. The black and white works extremely well in conveying the complexities of Kahn's life. In addition, there are very real hints at extramarital relationships, drinking, and control issues involving Kahn's wife.
Danny Thomas, in probably his best big screen performance, is perfect as Kahn. He's a struggling songwriter in Chicago in the early 1900's, seeking a break. He gets it the day he meets Grace, played by Doris Day. They write a song together, which becomes a major success and his career is launched. They eventually wed and the script gives very clear indications that Grace is the force that pushes Gus, who seems, at times, to lack the necessary drive and ambition to become a major success. Eventually Grace's controlling nature seems to push Gus away and in an attempt to reassert his masculinity, there are strong hints that he has an affair with a broadway performer.
This well written story is decorated with dozens of popular songs by Kahn and some of the top composers of the twenties and thirties. In particular, the title tune, as well as "The One I Love", given a perfect rendition by Day, the Day/Thomas duet of "Whoopee" and Danny's exquisite rendering of "It Had to Be You".
Doris Day and Danny Thomas are exceptional together. There is a real energy in their scenes together. Thomas reported in his autobiography that working with Day was a wonderful experience for him and it's clear in their work together here.
Although Thomas could easily have come off as a nebbish, he somehow manages to create an ultimately endearing character out of Kahn.
Doris Day is wonderful as Grace. Curtiz had directed her in her first two films as well as the exceptional "Young Man With a Horn". In "Dreams" she proves herself as far more than the "girl next door", creating a characterization that is not always someone you like. Grace seems to be frustrated in her role as merely a wife and mother, seeming to want to return to songwriting or a career of some kind and therefore channeling that frustration into being, at times, more a mother to Gus than a wife. It's a memorable portrayal. Vocally she can do not wrong.
Frank Lovejoy is very good as Walter Donaldson, one of Gus's composing partners who, despite a clear affinity for drink and the track, manages to not alienate the audience. Patrice Wymore, as a Ziegfeld star does a standout version of "Love Me or Leave Me" and plays her role with flair and style. She was the wife of Errol Flynn in real life but manages to stand on her own merits as an actress. James Gleason is perfect as a typical "James Gleason" character and Mary Wickes is a delight as a smart-mouthed, sharp-tongued housekeeper to Gus and Grace.
"I'll See You in My Dreams" is about as good as a biographical film in the early 50's could be. You don't have to be asleep to enjoy this very pleasant dream."

My favorite Doris movie

Paul Brogan | 12/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the movie that made me fall in love with Doris Day. This was not the first I saw, but this is the one that made me realize how great she really is! The music is wonderful, the acting is superb, and the story is interesting. Mary Wicks is also in it, and I enjoy any movie she adds her sarcastic touch to. I cry every time I see it."

What A Great Rare Musical Classic

Chris | Leeds, Utah United States | 04/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a really great Classic Musical starring Danny Thomas and Doris Day.Danny Thomas portrays the great classic Music Writer Gus Kahn and DOris Plays his wife Julie. At the beginning Gus is a down on his luck guy who works for the local Crockery Company and Julie helps him to raise his spirits and turn his music career into something really neat!Gus writes a whole ton of classic Hits and Julie writes the music! This is a great classic movie that I highly suggest to everybody!"

Very heart touching, A wonderful Movie!

Chris | 11/26/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie seems to never lose it's charm even after dozens of times of seeing it. A wonderful movie about a songwriter who loses his touch, and then seems to gain it back with the "help" and support of his wife, Doris Day. Some classic songs come out of this movie -- Ukelaily Lady, No No Nora, Love me or Leave me, and Makin Whoopee. A favorite for all times."