Romance On The High Seas. They commiserate over the women they love, not realizing that it’s the same dame. Warner Bros. threw their new musical darling into another movie with Jack Carson immediately: My Dream is Yours (1949) which was followed by another Carson-Day pairing, It’s a Great Feeling (1949). It’s a good thing the Kents are so wealthy! But oh, the magic and the danger of scent! Day wrote in her autobiography that Carson, a movie veteran who was also a sometime boyfriend, was an indispensable ally in her early days of movie making: [Carson] helped me enormously with my technical indoctrination into movie acting. In fact, he was downright pessimistic about Day’s abilities and started his review with this dour pronouncement: “As much as we all like to welcome new faces and talents to the screen, it is hard to work up enthusiasm for the Warners’ new starlet, Doris Day. She was barely 25, but had already left an abusive husband a few years before and was in the process of divorcing a second. Despite her inexperience in film, Day delivered with such confidence and natural effervescence that audiences everywhere fell in love and a major movie star was born. Sigh!) You can buy this movie here, and, as always, thanks for reading! ( Log Out / Michael walks in the lobby and is horrified to learn that his wife is making her “sensational debut” performing “songs in the Society Manner!” It’s not that he’s embarrassed, but he knows she can’t sing! Peter is mesmerized. Screenplay: Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, I.A.L. In the movie, Day plays a struggling nightclub singer who poses as a wealthy socialite on a South American cruise so the real socialite (Janis Paige) can stay home to spy on her husband (Don DeFore). He recognizes that Georgia is in love with Peter, and lets her have the moment. Sakall. It would have been more entertaining had she ended up with Carson’s character, but that’s the Hays Code for you–trying to shoehorn in improbable happy endings for estranged couples, even if the earlier action makes it clear they’d still be miserable with one another after a so-called trial reconciliation. Back to the film! (Click Here to Listen): ROMANCE ON THE HIGH SEAS marked Doris Day's sparkling silver screen debut and Warner Home Video's Senior Vice President of Classic and Theatrical Marketing George Feltenstein and producer/host Dick Dinman marvel at the countless buoyant delights of this utterly charming musical comedy romance which has just been spectacularly restored on Blu-ray to Technicolorful perfection by the Warner Archive. At the urging of Styne and Cahn, Day reluctantly agreed to audition for the movie’s director, Michael Curtiz. Don’t worry. It's Magic - Wikipedia After this film, Paige would go to Warner Brothers to make such films as Of Human Bondage, Hollywood Canteen, and Romance on the High Seas. The next day, Georgia can’t understand why Peter is suddenly so cold. Or lobby cards? In Rio, Peter, still thinking that Georgia is Elvira, tells Mike that he has fallen in love with his wife. Here is Day in her cute beret on the first day of shooting: via: http://classiccinemagold.com/doris-day/romance-on-the-high-seas/. One imagines she gave up on the role then and there. by Roger Fristoe, - The plan is underway when Michael changes his mind about going on the cruise. Price Match Guarantee. So now both Kents race south, separately, and arrive at the hotel minutes apart. Meanwhile, Georgia is almost exposed when Oscar Farrar, her pianist boyfriend, unexpectedly arrives on the ship. But she was so worn out and frustrated with Hollywood that she burst into tears in the middle of singing “Embraceable You” for Curtiz! While Peter and Georgia are enjoying cocktails and love songs, Oscar turns up in Havana–he’s decided to surprise Georgia and join the cruise. I’m not sure they’re destined for good things…. She's a Latin from Manhattan (uncredited) Music by Harry Warren Lyrics by Al Dubin Sung briefly by Doris Day in the travel agency . That’s a great idea for a History Through Hollywood! Composer Jule Styne, who had heard Day sing "Embraceable You" at a party, then arranged for her to meet director Michael Curtiz. Original Music: Ray Heindorf, Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn, Oscar Levant
There is tons of that grayish-blue cornflower color, too, as you can see on the walls and the secretary. While there, she overhears Georgia Garrett (Doris Day) chatting with an agent. She is not thrilled to see Michael’s glamorous new secretary, especially when she learns that Michael neglected to tell this gorgeous blonde that he is married. Doris Day herself speaks exclusively to TCM, in this commentary on her movie career, as our April, 2012 Star Of The Month. Peter waits anxiously in the hallway, so he sees Oscar enter “Mrs. Carson and Day behind the scenes via: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/doris-day/images/5171990/title/romance-on-high-seas-photo, Although it was her film debut, Day found movie-making easier than expected. It's Magic [From Romance on the High Seas] Lyrics It's Magic [From Romance on the High Seas] is found on the album 16 Most Requested Songs . Costume Design: Milo Anderson
And so we come to the end. But I’m more interested in the shots of the operators connecting the long distance call! She is terribly frustrated and decides to fly to Rio and join the cruise. The award-winning DICK DINMAN'S DVD CLASSICS CORNER ON THE AIR is the only show devoted to Golden Age Movie Classics as they become available on DVD and Blu-ray. Prepare to be boarded! Since we were also going together, we’d often discuss some of these things in the evening, and there’s no doubt that my relationship with Jack helped me considerably in my early going. PLUS: MICKEY! The costumes are stunning, too. Georgia’s accompanist and wannabe fiancé is Oscar Farrar (Oscar Levant), who plays the same cynical, apathetic composer/pianist that he always does. Elvira gets on stage first, but she surprises us all by introducing Georgia to the delighted crowd. As Day’s biographer Eric Braun wrote, instead they gently reminded her that they wanted a Betty Hutton-type full of energy and pizzazz for the part. The next day, the ship docks in Trinidad. JUDY!! Loved the anecdotes about working women and luggage in the last post, I have to say. Socialite Elvira (!) After much confusion, Georgia is hired for a high salary as a singer at a Rio hotel, and Pete learns her real identity. The film was originally supposed to be a vehicle for Betty Hutton, but she dropped out when she became pregnant. (Bottom right pane.). Romance on the High Seas was in production from June through August 1947 and premiered the next June. (For more on cables/telegrams, visit History Through Hollywood: 3rd Edition.). Besides Day and Carson, this film stars Janis Paige and Don DeFore. So she visits her travel agency to confirm plans for their anniversary South American cruise. But his day gets worse. With her small son, Terry, she was planning to abandon Hollywood and return to her hometown of Cincinnati when she showed up for the meeting with Curtiz. He never thought that Elvira would go alone, and he’s concerned that she is meeting a lover or something! Fun fact: she appeared as a student in Bathing Beauty (1944)! This hobby isn’t as amusing for the agents as it is for Georgia…You can watch the scene here. It's A Great Feeling (02:30) from It's A Great Feeling - 1949: 4. This site uses cookies from WordPress.com and selected partners. Oscar Farrar. When Georgia sees him, she flees to her dusky gray-blue cabin and fakes an illness. Romance on the High Seas -- (Original Trailer). Tea For Two (03:09) from Tea For Two - 1950: 6. While he waits, Peter sings with a local calypso band before meeting Oscar accidentally at the bar. To keep up her lie about the cruise, Elvira pretends that she has been at the hotel all along. Once the disc is inserted into the player, the static menu with music immediately pops up; no previews or promos precede it. Warner Bros. now had its own musical leading lady with no need to borrow from other studios. Doris Day - ''Romance on the High Seas'' (1948) - Costume designer : Milo Anderson. Of course, we know that it’s all innocent and she “falls” into his arms because the sleeping potion kicks in, but Peter thinks the worst. I just sing.”. His instincts paid off and she became a huge star. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Busby Berkeley. With A Song In My Heart (03:07) from Young Man With A Horn - 1950: 5. There are also perfume references, I believe, in To Have and Have Not (Bogie sniffs a bottle he finds in Slim’s room, the Vichy police chief says “Very nice perfume”). Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The color, the music, the laughter, the costumes and set designs are what set America apart in the eyes of the world. DICK DINMAN & GEORGE FELTENSTEIN STRIKE UP THE BAND FOR DORIS DAY'S DEBUT! The film's working title was Romance in High C. According to a July 17, 1946 Hollywood Reporter news item, sequences were shot in Cartagena, Columbia, and in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, Brazil. Directed by Michael Curtiz, Romance on the High Seas is a delightful musical that features Doris Day's film debut. Mrs. Elvira Kent (Janis Paige) suspects husband Michael (Don DeFore) is cheating on her, and together they wind up on a Caribbean cruise where nightclub singer Georgia Garrett (Day) and private eye Peter Virgil (Jack Carson) get in the middle of the jealous couple's spying. Fun fact: “It’s Magic” was nominated for an Oscar, but “Buttons and Bows” from The Paleface won. He goes back to the concierge to check the room number and tries again, but this time he finds Oscar in bed! We open with a wedding. Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn's song "It's Magic" was nominated for an Oscar. Look for scenes drenched in teal, rich brown, pops of red and soft blush, shimmering white, and cerulean. Romance on the High Seas (1948): Michael Curtiz Directs Doris Day in her Oscar-Nominated Feature Debut August 17, 2011 by EmanuelLevy The romantic musical, Romance on the High Seas , marks the feature film debut of Doris Day (billed in fourth place), who would go on to become the most popular star in America in the 1950s. 5, Marlene Dietrich wore Robert Piguet’s Bandit, on and on and on. 1948, Bahia,Brazil; Cartagena,Columbia; Rio de Janeiro,Brazil, For its elaborate musical comedy Romance on the High Seas (1948), Warner Bros. had arranged to borrow Judy Garland from MGM. ( Log Out / You sigh, the song begins, you speak and I hear violins It's magic The stars desert the skies and rush to nestle in your eyes It's magic Wi via: http://www.famousfix.com/post/romance-on-the-high-seas-1948-10520056/p644321. Meanwhile, back in New York, Elvira hasn’t been able to catch her husband doing anything bad. When Elvira nervously objects, Mike becomes convinced that she is having an affair and hires private detective Peter Virgil to follow her aboard the ship. STRIKE UP THE BAND!!! Kent” will sing? But they sent her Georgia’s by mistake, which gives Elvira an idea! The Lady Eve has a few references to the intoxicating effect of Barbara Stanwyck’s perfume–poor Henry Fonda, he never knew what hit him! When Cahn took her aside and explained that Curtiz was looking for a Betty Hutton type, someone who sang and bounced around, Day replied, "I don’t bounce around. Off topic: I always read the History Through Hollywood posts with great enjoyment, and I’m looking forward to the next one as I type this. So Oscar convinces Georgia to take the job under the fake name. He’s also in black tie, but they’re the only ones. I just sing." It’s shockingly understated for this movie! After the wedding, we see Elvira’s diary chronicling the past two year’s anniversary plans. via: http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/399/Romance-on-the-High-Seas/#tcmarcp-457612-457613 Unless otherwise noted, all images are my own. The show would be a lot more popular with a high society singer! Peter enjoys himself so much that after they say goodnight, he rushes to the radio room to report himself to Michael! Romance on the High Seas arrives on Blu-ray packaged in a standard case. Director: Michael Curtiz
All Hollywood. At least she’ll get to enjoy part of the trip! You can watch it here. I don’t know why she is dressed as a vampire-Heidi, but that’s her business. Mike immediately flies to Rio, and Lazlo advises Elvira to do the same. Recognize the radio officer? Diamond, from story "Romance in High C" by Carlos A. Olivari and Sixto Pondal Rios
As soon as Day was cast, Warner Bros. put her in acting lessons. That said, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to give this one a go. He’s an hilarious hypochondriac who is more concerned with his own pulse than Georgia’s. Elvira then decides that she will pretend to leave town, sending Georgia in her place, and that way catch Mike in an infidelity. Sidenote: I love seeing bathrooms in old films. My Dream Is Yours (03:08) from My Dream Is Yours - 1949: 3. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Romantic misunderstandings abound when spouses suspect each other of being unfaithful, and a nightclub singer takes a cruise under a false identity. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. And an honest Calypso number is turned over to Jack Carson to clown, while Sir Lancelot, a good Calypso singer, is compelled to watch and smile.”. She was at an unhappy point in her personal life, having divorced a violent first husband and separated from a second, and had become discouraged with her chances at film work. (1952)! Here they are filming this scene: via: http://www.dorisday.net/romance-on-the-high-seas/. Paige was a singer and actress who had appeared in small parts and lower budget films for a few years. Despite this odd audition, Curtiz recognized Day’s enormous talent and charisma and offered her the part on the spot. So naturally Peter fetches the ship’s doctor, played by the one and only Eric Blore. Anderson Movies Day Dresses Formal Dresses Beautiful Outfits Beautiful Clothes Designer Gowns Dory Movie Stars 1940s. It sounds like one confusing movie–but hey, it put Doris Day and her singing (and acting) chops on the map! from Romance On The High Seas - 1948: 2. So she finds Oscar and sings a song of woe that soon turns into the classic “Put ‘Em in a Box” with the ship’s band. "It’s Magic," the Oscar-nominated song from the film, proved another huge hit for Day and became one of her signature tunes. Remember, Peter doesn’t know she’s really Georgia, and Oscar doesn’t know she’s pretending to be Elvira. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. from Romance On The High Seas - 1948: 2. And that evening the show must go on! ( Log Out / ), Motion Picture Daily, June 29, 1948 via: http://archive.org/stream/motionpicturedai63unse_0#page/n439/mode/2up. The couple are happily reunited, as are Mike and Elvira. But which “Mrs. Elvira thinks the cancellation has more to do with the dame in the front office than any work projects. Also on hand is Jack Carson, who befriended Day in real life and taught her tricks of the trade of movie acting. That means next to nothing for new viewers in 2020. Elvira (Janis Paige) and rich uncle (S.Z. Everyone is happy and in love and properly paired off. For a crystal-clear lesson in how an unknown vaults into immediate stardom, look no further than Romance on the High Seas, the silly 1948 musical that launched the movie career of Doris Day. Romance on the High Seas (released in the United Kingdom as It's Magic) is a 1948 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Michael Curtiz, and starred Jack Carson, Janis Paige, Don DeFore and Doris Day in her film debut. Film Bulletin, June 21, 1948via: http://archive.org/stream/indepe16film#page/n346/mode/1up. She is furious with Georgia, but all of that is pushed aside when she learns that Michael is in the hotel, too. It shows up again in Skirts Ahoy! Kent” is behaving herself. The movie’s only other nomination went to Ray Heindorf for Best Musical Score, but he lost to Johnny Green and Roger Edens for Easter Parade. ( Log Out / Described as a “pastel pleasure cruise,” “Romance on the High Seas,” originally titled “Romance in High C,” is a ball. What a world, right? Read more. To which Day replied, “I don’t bounce around. She explains that she will send Georgia on an all-expenses-paid South American cruise if Georgia travels as Mrs. Elvira Kent. This would be one of Paige’s bigger movies, though you can also see her in Silk Stockings (1957) with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, and Please Don’t Eat the Daisies (1960) with Doris Day again. But embracing the peoples and cultures of other countries as well. Warner Bros. originally planned to borrow Judy Garland from MGM to star in this film, but she was unavailable thanks to production on The Pirate (1948). Fortunately for Georgia, Peter softens towards her and they spend another lovely evening together. Tagged as: 1940s, Avon Long, Don DeFore, Doris Day, Eric Blore, Franklin Pangborn, Jack Carson, Janis Paige, Michael Curtiz, Milo Anderson, Oscar Levant, S. Z. Sakall, Technicolor, Warner Bros. Your producer/host Dick Dinman includes a generous selection of classic scenes, classic film music and one-on-one interviews with stars, producers, and directors. wordpress.com/cookies/, TheBlondeAtTheFilm.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. They were desperate for a star, so when the songwriters Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn heard Doris Day sing at a party, they convinced director Michael Curtiz to give her an audition. Desperate for a replacement as production was scheduled to begin, the film’s songwriters, Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn, happened to hear a young band singer named Doris Day singing at a Hollywood party.