That was an excellent one.

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

Susan Hayward shines in one of the BEST musical biopics ever: Some may not know much (or anything) about the great singer Jane Froman, but, thanks to this beautifully realized film, we are treated to a very informative biography as well as a dynamo performance. Susan expertly lip syncs the actual Froman songs; intertwined with the tragedy of her own personal medical problems after a plane crash. GREAT support from the incomparable Thelma Ritter, as well as David Wayne, and, in a lesser role, Rory Calhoun. The production is a gloriously colored extravaganza with some great costumes by Walter LeMaire, and an Oscar winning score by Alfred Newman, incorporating some tried and true song standards. The climactic song medley in front of a bunch of GI's is a real highlight, as well as a bit part from a young Robert Wagner. This film is a winner all the way! Don't miss it!

Musical biographies of famous composers and singers are a mixed bag. For singers, look at Al Jolson, then compare that with a film about Eddie Cantor. Grace Moore got a mixed bag, while dancer Marilyn Miller's silver lining was slightly invisible. Doris Day scored highly as roaring 20's sob sister Ruth Etting. Like Etting, for the story on Jane Froman, Hollywood got it right, creating a story where the heart is as big as the area Froman toured, entertaining the troops after her own serious accident almost destroyed her career.Susan Hayward struck gold for the role of the ambitious, but generally nice Jane Froman, rising to the top of radio simply just through her talent. Singing advertisements during the radio show commercials brought her to frequent guest star, then to recording star, and finally, appearing in films and on Broadway. Marriage to a nice guy (David Wayne) she probably doesn't love but still feels loyalty towards proves how decent she was. Then, war rolls around, and Jane is off to entertain the troops. Tragedy intervenes and after a difficult recovery period, she is back on her feet, sadly in crutches, and becomes the darling of the camp shows, deservedly winning their loyalty.Utilizing Froman's voice for the soundtrack, Hayward acts out each song as if she were singing it herself. She is radiant in a rousing "Get Happy!", opera-like in the elaborately staged title song, and a true star with "On the Gay White Way". Hiding her crutches, she entertains a group of soldiers (including a very handsome Robert Wagner) and later goes off to the camps where she once again encounters Wagner, now very different than the first time she saw him. When he asks her to sing "I Walk Alone", there is a profound irony to the sequence that will most likely drench you in tears.One of the major musical highlights of the film is a salute to the American spirit that goes all over the map. "Texas?", she shouts vigorously to one spirited soldier, "Never heard of it!". While Jane's body may be crippled, her spirit wasn't, and that's what makes this film exciting and totally memorable. She singles out the quiet soldier in the wheelchair who has followed her from camp to camp with the response to his request, "For you, anything." Hayward was known for tough girls hiding their hearts of gold, but in this film, her heart is on her sleeve, and it is obvious that Hayward took this part into her own heart as well. The very same year, Froman also recorded the Vivienne Segal songs for the revival cast album of "Pal Joey", and years later, there was a double C.D. of both this movie and that cast album that is a must buy if you can find it.Thelma Ritter has a major role as the nurse who is instrumental in helping Hayward recover, and one sequence has her standing up to the frustrated patient by letting her know in no uncertain terms will she put up with her self-pity. This is why during the 1950's, Ritter was nominated for an Oscar practically every year. Her own heart of gold was laced with truth, and that's what makes her special. Una Merkel is also memorable in a small role as a kindly nun who encounters Hayward and Ritter in the hospital and encourages her recovery through her singing. Helen Westcott has a profound smaller role as a woman Hayward encounters on her overseas plane ride, while funny man Max Showalter is amusing in his few scenes as Wayne's former vaudeville partner.There are so many wonderful moments in this all time fabulous musical that I could never list them all. This is a story that remains timely today, and with all of the old musicals being revised for Broadway, this would be a perfect story. Hayward would have another success as a real-life singer (Lillian Roth) in the profound "I'll Cry Tomorrow", but there, it was the tough Susan Hayward in control, not the softer, more vulnerable one. This is the one I prefer.

Jane Froman was a popular radio personality in the 1930s and 40s. Millions of listeners enjoyed her beautiful operatic voice. By the time television came around, Froman's career was beginning to wind down. In the early 1940s, she was severely injured in a plane crash en route to Europe. But her popularity soared after that incident, because although disabled, she continued to entertain American troops. In effect, she became a symbol of American optimism and perseverance during WWII."With A Song In My Heart" is Froman's story, from the time that she became well known as a singer. The film is factual, but mostly it is inspirational. Susan Hayward plays Froman, and lip-syncs to Froman's actual singing voice. Although technically this film is not a musical, there are plenty of songs.The film begins with her singing to an enamored audience. Most of the rest of the plot is a flashback to her rise to stardom, the crash, and the difficulties she endured afterwards. The plot then returns at the end to the film's opening performance.Susan Hayward does a fine job as she imitates Froman's gestures, and animates Froman's optimism, showmanship, and verve. All of the songs and music predate rock-n-roll, and therefore have a dream-like quality. Many of her performances are formal, complete with big chandeliers and wavy, silky curtains. Costumes range from glamorous before the accident, to informal in later years. David Wayne and the always reliable Thelma Ritter are convincing in secondary roles.The music in this film is totally from another era, very orchestral and idealized. I could not identify with any of it. That's not a criticism, just an observation. My one complaint about this film is that the tone is just a tad too upbeat and reassuring. Whatever warts the woman might have had are conveniently left out of the film. Indeed, the film tends to deify Froman. She seems imbued with superhuman goodness. But that's how cinematic bios were made in those days."With A Song In My Heart" is a fine biography of a woman who truly had a talent for singing. Just be aware that the story and the film may seem a tad antiquated by today's standards.

I found this film both informative and entertaining. It is the story of the life and trials of Jane Froman. I'm surprised it has never been released on video. I was however under the impression that Jane Froman "dubbed" all of the vocals for the movie. Thanks to the previous comment stating Susan Hayward did her own singing. One interesting thing I heard (probably on a TV documentary or biography) was that this was the only movie of hers that Ms. Hayward allowed her children to see. No doubt that rule lasted only until they were "of age", if not, they missed some really great performances by this star. David Wayne, Rory Calhoun and Thelma Ritter also turned in sterling performances. Watch for a very early appearance by Robert Wagner.