Linbeymusol Wonderful character development!

Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Joanna Mccarty Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.

Alex da Silva Wealthy socialite Charles Laughton (Mr Reynolds) is on his deathbed. His son Robert Cummings (Johnny) comes to his bedside and Laughton has a final wish - he would like to see his son's fiancée. Cummings rushes out to get his fiancée Margaret Tallichet (Gloria) but he can't find her. In a desperate moment he asks hat-check girl Deanna Durbin (Anne) to stand in and pretend to be Gloria. Laughton takes a liking to Durbin and problems arise the next morning when Laughton starts to improve. How long can the pretence be maintained? Especially as Laughton keeps calling for Durbin….This film is funny and easy-going. All the cast are good, the best being Deanna Durbin and the worst, for me, was Robert Cummings and his slightly wimpy nature – he is playing for farce and I think he just goes a little over the top. He just rushes around a little too much. There is also a good performance from Catherine Doucet as Mrs Pennington. Her manner is spot on with her disapproval of the proceedings and her habit of fiddling with her pearl necklace to exhibit her anger and anxiety is perfectly executed.As regards the story, it's complete nonsense so just go with it. The characters provide the comedy to keep things going, although you have to feel sorry for Margaret Tallichet. She hasn't done anything! She is definitely given harsh treatment in this film. You could even go as far as to say that Deanna Durbin is the evil one – hence the title referring to Eve.As for the music interludes, Deanna only sings one turkey – "Going Home". It comes at a sentimental point in the film and so it helps to lay on that rubbish quite thick. Can't stand nonsense like that. However, her other two songs, both sung with her piano accompaniment are an enjoyable experience, especially the Spanish one. And she has an entertaining Conga dance scene with Charles Laughton towards the end of the film.

el Cambion It Started with Eve (1941) Charles Laughton, Bob Cummings, Deanna Durbin This movie gradually won me over. I wasn't so crazy about Robert Cummings' performance in the opening scenes; his manic over-acting took me out of the moment. But Charles Laughton is so endearing as the millionaire patriarch and Deanna Durbin (who we lost this year at age 91) was delightful. But it was the writing that made it all work. And won me over! Two nice musical numbers. And a story line that really touched on deep human issues.Beyond the snappy banter there is also embedded deep insights into social values. The eccentric Charles Laughton, a dying millionaire, indifferent to extravagance, declining into ennui on his deathbed literally "comes alive" to the simple things in life. Namely, the sweet innocence of Deanna Durbin.But a mixup ensues based on (the typical Hollywood Macguffin) an unnecessary lie which leads to chaos.Stumbles now and then but the hilarious yet insightful writing saves it. And Durbin is a tour de force. She seems at first a wallflower but then springs to life (which Laughton as John Reynolds even remarks on).Durbin walked away from acting when she was 27, was the highest paid actress for a while, was far more popular than Judy Garland but moved to France to raise a family and never looked back.

dougandwin Some 60 years ago I first saw this Movie, and now seeing it again on TCM I must say it is a beautiful tribute to two wonderful stars in Deanna Durbin and Charles Laughton - a great idea at the time, and one which would have seemed ludicrous when first mooted. They play off each other beautifully, and it seems everyone else in it are a bit superfluous. My only complaint is Deanna never finished her version of "Going Home" which was extremely moving. The story does not really matter, but it is light and a bit of fun. If you do have time for the supporting cast, Robert Cummings is fine, Walter Catlett is good in what was probably one of his bigger roles, and everyone seems to be comfortable in their support. Old fashioned? Yes, but incomparable with anything of this genre today. A true really feel good experience.

thomreid She was a great singer; and this film proves she was an engaging, charming actress as well. She more than holds her own with the incomparable Laughton (only 41 when he made this) and is paired very well with "Uncle" Bob Cummings (so well remembered for his 50s sitcom.)And there are some great supporting players on hand: Walter Catlett, Clara Blandick, Irving Bacon, etc. This is a winning combination film, somewhat derivative of others in the past, but fresh in many ways. One reviewer mentioned the set design and one wonders what it would have been like in color. The costumes are also pretty special.Deanna only made a handful of films, but this is one of the best. A real feel good time. Enjoy!