Sadly Over-hyped

The acting in this movie is really good.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Description and DVD cover at top do not match movie reviewed below

NOTES: Third and final screen version of Hagen's stage play. COMMENT: Re-makes can almost always be compared in an unfavorable light with their originals. And this maxim certainly holds true for this re-serving of The Strawberry Blonde (although that movie itself was a re-make, it is the exception that proves the rule). For a start, the players are inferior. I mean, how can you compare Dennis Morgan (whom I like) with James Cagney? Or Janis Paige (whom I also admire) with Rita Hayworth? Admittedly, Don DeFore (never my choice for the world's finest actor) makes a surprisingly deft stab at the Jack Carson spot (though still falling short). The one and only really bright star in this new cast line-up is the lovely Dorothy Malone who comes across as a warm and enchanting Amy Lind. As for the script, with typical re-make oversight, the Epstein twins are not credited, even though it's quite apparent that Mr Richards has based his screenplay firmly on the 1941 movie rather than the 1933 stage play. In fact, he's made very few additions or changes and hasn't even bothered to alter or delete such giveaway lines as "That's the kind of a hair-pin I am!" Very appropriate for Jimmy Cagney but quite out of character for Dennis Morgan. Admittedly, a few indifferent new songs as well as some more old favorites have been introduced into the pot, plus a helping of not-so-funny comic routines for Mr Blue. On the other hand, some of the incidents retain sufficient power to induce a fair amount of laughter and the plot has still enough drama to survive even the well-intentioned efforts of this second-rate roster of players. Although Walsh's direction remains competent enough, he fails to refurbish anything like the luxuriant style and inventive flair he brought to Strawberry Blonde. Fortunately, the art director has taken advantage of the producer's splurge on Technicolor. The sets are entrancingly in period and the film is beautifully photographed in very delicate colors that consistently please the eye, even though the dialogue seems less attractive to the ear.

There are a number of musicals out there that deserve more attention. Among them are, "Best Foot Forward", "Two Weeks With Love" and now I can add this version of "One Sunday Afternoon".For the record, I've seen, and love "The Strawberry Blonde". By now you should all know this is basically a remake, by the same director, but in color and music that moves the plot along a bit.We could dwell on the differences, and what could have been included in "one Sunday afternoon" (and yes I love, "And the Band Played On". But now I love the tune, "One Sunday Afternoon" which plays the same role in this film.I was very surprised perhaps most of all to learn that Don DeFore has a fine singing voice. I do wish that Janis Paige was featured a little bit more. She is really a wonderful addition.Don't try to compare James Cagney to Dennis Morgan. Don't try to compare Rita Hayworth to Janis Paige (though I would take Janis Paige). Don't even try to compare Alan Hale Sr. to Alan Hale Jr. (he even mentions a boat trip!)But I do think this is a fine, enjoyable musical of a classic story.But there is one thing better about this film than "the strawberry blonde" and that is Ben Blue as Nick. Now , don't get me wrong, I think George Tobias as Nick in , ''the strawberry blonde" was fine. But Ben Blue really added a nice, buster Keaton like, comedic relief.I purchased the DVD from Warner Archives and had some trouble viewing it on one of my DVD players, and contrary to what the packaging says, I tried it on a DVD recorder and it played fine. Is this , "Oklahoma", "The Music Man", or "Showboat"? No. But it is a movie you probably haven't seen and you may very well enjoy.But that's just the kind of hairpin I am!

A dentist recalls his past as he prepares his chair for the man who was responsible for him spending time in the penitentiary. Sounds like a film noir, but this is actually a turn-of-the-century musical with Dennis Morgan, Don Defore and Dorothy Malone. I was a bit surprised, but given that it's directed by Raoul Walsh, I stayed with it for a bit and then couldn't bring myself to stop watching. This is necessary viewing for Dorothy Malone fans. Her scenes with Dennis Morgan seem racier than they actually are. He is not bad either, referring to himself as a "hairpin" as in "I'm that kind of hairpin". Even the singing is good, with an all-female barbershop quartet, and way more than a few well-deserved laughs.