Jane Powell's Movie, but Debbie Reynolds is the spark!
17 December 1998
Jane Powell and Ricardo Mantalban headline this film made in 1950. Debbie Reynolds was the supporting star early in her career. Jane Powell has said that this was one of her favorite films to work on, despite being more famous for "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers." The plot is about Jane's character trying to break out into womanhood, despite her mother trying to keep her a little girl. Along the way, she falls for a young Cuban (Mantalban) and conflicts between Powell, her mother and her romantic rival climax at a good moment. Debbie Reynolds is Jane Powell's younger sister in the film and sings her first record hit, "Aba Daba Honeymoon" with Carlton Carpenter. This song is available from Curb Records nowadays. Not to be outdone singing at an early age, Debbie's sparkling style of acting was the real highlight of the film. Her character's wit and occasional negative attitude creates a "she's so cute" attitude towards her from the audience. Debbie fans will notice this right of the bat. Despite being 17 or 18 when the film was shot, the film calls for her to be 14 or 15, and she looks it too. This film is not one of the "Great Classics" of Hollywood, but Jane Powell and Debbie Reynolds' fans should thoroughly enjoy this one. Jane Powell would go on to star with Debbie Reynolds in "Athena" and "Hit the Deck." Ricardo Mantalban would star with Debbie Reynolds 16 years later, in "The Singing Nun."
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