dougdoepke
This TCF production looks like an attempt to update the standard 40's musical. Instead of romantic youngsters, there's Grable and Dailey as a mature married couple; and in place of the usual wispy storyline is a surprisingly biting one; while banal dialog is peppered with risqué throw-away lines; and most topically, there's that new-fangled livingroom monster, television. On the whole, however, the combination doesn't go down well.For one, the main plot thread simply doesn't lend itself to light-hearted entertainment. Ping-ponging adoptive babies back and forth, plus an auto accident, is the stuff of dramatics, not fluff, and leads to abrupt interruptions in mood. Sure, Grable gets to show some acting chops, which I expect was the intention, but it comes at the expense of overall results. Then too, the musical numbers are forgettable, to say the least. But at least, big-budget TCF mounts them in splashy Technicolor keeping the eye entertained even when the ear isn't. And I agree with the reviewer who thinks the vibrant young Mitzi Gaynor steals the show. She's clearly on her way up the Hollywood ladder.Anyway, Dailey and Grable hoof and warble well enough. But, unfortunately, the movie comes across as two Hollywood vets doing their best with difficult material, yet only partially succeeding.
brtor222
Usually I love the Fox musicals...but this one is just boring. The dancing and the songs can't save this one. And how nice to know that they actually had color TV video cameras and color TV receiver sets in 1950!!! The special effects people couldn't make the spliced-in TV images in B&W I guess???? Bad editing. And don't you just envy Betty Grable's push-down monitor. Wow, wish I had one (not). And that "baby" that the Morans illegally "adopt" (then they get her back later, still under suspicious circumstances)...and the Morans never had given "baby" a name? Unless I missed it along the boring way. Then old Miss Adoption Agency has a quick change of heart and offers them a boy. Then Betty is pregnant again after all!!!! All this makes for a very unbelievable story.
ticketseller8895
This is not the typical "Betty Grable Extravaganza" that she may have starred in 10 years prior. Instead it is comedy/soap opera/musical chronicling Grable and Dailey's struggle to become parents. Grable has matured here and this film highlights a more confident Grable on all fronts. This might have been a great melodrama/musical. What actually wieghs down the proceedings are the musical numbers attached to their "televsion appearances". While these numbers are by and large terrific, the songs border on "poverty row" quality. Take a listen to "It's Deductible" and you'll see what I mean. Thankfully Grable and Dailey make the best of the songs given to them to sing and they make it all seem much more fabulous than it would have been in less capable hands. The constant melodrama of "couple loses baby, gets baby, loses baby" gets tiresome and the inherent sexism does not hold up well today (i.e. Grable's response to her husband's indiscretion with Mitzi Gaynor). Aside from these detractors, "My Blue Heaven" boasts a delightful supporting cast including Mitzi Gaynor, Jane Wyatt and the wonderful Una Merkel. These actors help buoy what could have easily been a sinking ship. This is not a superb vehicle by any means, but it does serve a great piece of kitsch presenting Post-war America and the burgeoning industry of television.
Kristen
The songs and dances are wonderful! Kitty and Jack are actors so when they sing/perform there are scenery and wardrobes that go along with the songs, making it less like an ordinary "musical." The story itself is modern and realistic even for the time (like someone else mentioned some of the things they say may have been considered "risque.") If you like old movies or musicals, I recommend you find a way to see this! You'll never get these songs out of your head, and you probably wont want to either. A classic! I grew up watching this movie over and over again. I wish that I could find another copy but it seems impossible. :( If any decides to release it again, let me know!