We often record old films from TCM, and usually can watch them for ten minutes or so before we realize that it doesn't translate after eighty years. From the first scenes of this amazing film, I knew we were in for a treat. The framing of the shots, the timing and direction, the pitch perfect representation of "love at first sight" took us into that world, as I imagined it did to those who saw it at the movies in those struggling years.
Janet McDonald was working on her own composition, when Navarone happens into her studio. He listens and then makes a minor suggestion, that one phrase should go up, rather than down. Janet sang it that way, and I swear, the song became exquisitely lovely. This fit into the plot as the song made her rich and although she was willing to share with her new love....well, no spoilers here; even though the plot, while perfectly crafted, is not the essential element.
This deserves to be enjoyed by all, and to be studied by students of the cinema. It shows what can be achieved when all the elements come together, that we willingly suspend disbelief to be treated to such intelligent memorable fantasy.
Janet McDonald was working on her own composition, when Navarone happens into her studio. He listens and then makes a minor suggestion, that one phrase should go up, rather than down. Janet sang it that way, and I swear, the song became exquisitely lovely. This fit into the plot as the song made her rich and although she was willing to share with her new love....well, no spoilers here; even though the plot, while perfectly crafted, is not the essential element.
This deserves to be enjoyed by all, and to be studied by students of the cinema. It shows what can be achieved when all the elements come together, that we willingly suspend disbelief to be treated to such intelligent memorable fantasy.