Reptileenbu
Did you people see the same film I saw?
Haven Kaycee
It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film
wes-connors
To right a past wrong, wealthy May Robson (as Cornelia Wheelwright) arrives in New York from Switzerland to find the granddaughter of an old family rival and move into her boarding house, intending to give the young woman a million dollars. Young lawyer Jeffrey Lynn (as James "Jim" Amory) finds pretty Priscilla Lane (as Pamela "Pam" McAllister) working as a lowly department store clerk. He also sees Ms. Lane as a potential romantic partner, but she is dating struggling musician Ronald Reagan (as Peter "Pete" Rowan). Shortly before the 30 minute mark, Ms. Lane has a leggy lingerie scene. Otherwise, this bland romance is highlighted by newcomer Curtis Bernhardt's sprightly direction and a strong supporting cast.***** Million Dollar Baby (5/31/41) Curtis Bernhardt ~ Priscilla Lane, May Robson, Jeffrey Lynn, Ronald Reagan
topper829
This isn't a great movie, though Priscilla Lane is (as usual) better than her material.But, that said, I was struck with the vocal precision of Nan Wynn in "Who Is in Your Dreams Tonight". Her control was exquisite.It is amazing to me how very, very good even minor singers were in the 1940's. No, she is not a truly great singer, and I am not a huge fan of 1940's singing. Many later singers and many of her contemporaries were more compelling with weaker vocal skills. (I lean toward Peggy Lee, Chris Connor and Susannah McCorkle on the jazz side.) But, damn! Who among popular singers exhibits this level of technical skills today. It's a bit like the absence of workmanship in modern manufactured goods.
mark.waltz
When crotchety old May Robson discovers that her father cheated his best friend out of his share of their business (causing his suicide), she sets out to find the man's descendants to give them part of her fortune. In New York City, her young lawyer (Jeffrey Lynn) locates the man's perky granddaughter (Priscilla Lane), a struggling shopgirl. Living in Helen Westley's decrepit boarding house with her struggling piano player boyfriend (Ronald Reagen) down the hall, Lane befriends Robson who moves into the boarding house to check her out. Then, Lynn arrives to see Lane while she is working to inform her of her new fortune. Of course, she thinks he's a masher, and Reagen also takes a dislike to him as well. Once everything comes out, the way is paved for a lot of chaos, laughs, and lessons.Resembling "The Devil & Miss Jones" released the same year, we have May Robson in place of Charles Coburn as the crusty millionaire. Their motives were totally different: Robson was giving away her fortune, while Coburn was spying on union activism in his store. However, they end up involved in the romantic involvements of the young people they become attached to.Lovably cantankerous, Robson is delightful, and as her surrogate granddaughter, Lane is fine as well. Best remembered for "Four Daughters" (with her two sisters) and "Arsenic and Old Lace", Lane is charming and delightful. Jeffrey Lynn is handsome and suave, while future President Reagan gives a not-too-bad performance as well. In a small role, well known character comedienne Lee Patrick is hysterical as a hot-tempered balloon dancer who exchanges barbs with salty Helen Westley, another delightful mature character actress of the 30's and 40's. Robson and Westley could have easily switched roles.Worth seeing, "Million Dollar Baby" was one of those wonderful Warner Brothers ensemble pieces that still manages to stand the test of time.
aromatic-2
Ronald Reagan is actually marvelous as ne'er-do-well boyfriend. Jeffrey Lynn is quite handsome as his rival for Priscilla Lane's attentions. Priscilla, an underrated actress in serious dramas and light comedies alike, does a very professional turn on an airy, yet pleasing, script. Worth a watch. 6/10
