I'll See You in My Dreams (1951)

Speaking as one myself. Cannot get enough of her beautiful voice and her charmingly natural presence in her films. Many of the songs are justifiable classics, and the involvement of director Michael Curtiz and being someone who loves musicals promised so much.'I'll See You in My Dreams' may not be perfect, but it is such an easy film to like, like having a nostalgic memory or a dream that you don't want to wake up from. It may be slight story-wise and the chemistry between Day and Danny Thomas doesn't sparkle or is as irresistible as with some of Day's other leading men (i.e. Rock Hudson, James Garner, Gordon McRae, Howard Keel).However, it is a beautifully produced film, beautifully photographed and opulent. Imagine though how even better it would have been if in colour, as good as the film looked parts did cry out for colour. There are not enough adjectives to describe the brilliance of the songs, which have such beautiful melodies and lyrics that are witty but also meaningful. Standouts are the title song, "It Had to Be You", "Makin' Whoopee" and "The One I Love".Day is just captivating in one of her best performances. Her acting is natural, charming and sincere and she not only sings sublimely but the songs suit her and her voice so well. Thomas is likable and portrays Gus Khan with much competence and making it easy to root for him, if perhaps slightly one-dimensional.A top notch supporting cast helps too, with standout performances from the always reliable James Gleason and especially a well-meaning but sometimes takes-no-prisoners character.Curtiz's direction is admirable and shows yet again that his musicals output is fairly undervalued, especially when compared to better known films of his. The script is light, witty and at times poignant, while there is a real sense of nostalgia and enchanting atmosphere.Overall, a lovely film and a dream for fans of Doris Day. 8/10 Bethany Cox

In Chicago, the aspiring songwriter Gus Kahn (Danny Thomas) seeks out Miss Grace LeBoy (Doris Day) that works in a sheet music publisher and shows his lyrics expecting her assessment. The insistent Gus calls the attention of Grace and sooner she quits her job to help him in his career. They get married, Gus Kahn rises to the stardom and they have two children.However, Gus Kahn loses his fortune in stock market crash in the Great Depression and the couple has serious financial difficulties. But behind every great man, there is a great woman and Grace encourages him to return to a successful career. "I'll See You in My Dreams" is a delightful drama with the biography of the songwriter Gus Kahn and his beloved wife Grace LeBoy Kahn by Michael Curtiz. The story is very beautiful and Doris Day and Danny Thomas have magnificent performances and show wonderful chemistry.The music score is fantastic and the moment when Gus Kahn sings "It Had to Be You" is heartwarming. My vote is eight.Title (Brazil): "Sonharei com Você" ("I Will Dream of You")

This is the kind of Hollywoodized biography of a famous composer that springs to life whenever DORIS DAY sings one of those warm and tender melodies. It's Day, at her perkiest, who makes the film rather than DANNY THOMAS, who simply lacked the screen charisma a leading man should have. He's not bad, but brings the film down a notch with his one-dimensional performance.Thankfully, there are some reliable supporting role players that help Doris sell the film--notably, PATRICE WYMORE, FRANK LOVEJOY and MARY WICKES who all do their best to keep the tale moving along at a brisk pace. Wickes is especially mirthful when she tosses off a one-liner with aplomb and clearly seems to be enjoying her role as a sharp-tongued maid.The Michael Curtiz touch is not too evident because the story drags in spots, but whenever Doris gets to warble an old-fashioned tune it doesn't matter what else is going on. Her rendition of "The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else" is especially touching and her spirited version of "Makin' Whoopie" is another delight. Whether tossing off a ballad or jump tune she can do no wrong.Doris Day fans will enjoy this tuneful and sentimental trip down memory lane.

I saw this film a few years ago on AMC. It was fun. A piece of wholesome, corny family entertainment, which incidentally reminded one of just how literate,popular songs used to be. I was amazed by how many "standards"-My Buddy, Carolina in the Morning,etc., were written by Mr. Kahn