Happy Birthday Doris Day!

It’s Doris Day’s 90th birthday today!

Watching Doris Day, vol. 4

Julie (1956) is one of my favourite Doris Day films. It’s a story of a woman, Julie Benton, who finds out that her husband Lyle Benton (Louis Jourdan) is not only jealous and scary, but he is also a murderer. Once Julie finds out the truth, she flees and returns to her former career as an air hostess. But Lyle doesn’t forget. He wants revenge and stalks Julie. The police can’t help, Julie is pretty much on her own. This film is so thrilling, it scares me even though I’ve seen it a couple of times. And I like Doris Day’s character. She is resourceful and brave and is definitely not going to let her ex-husband rob her of her future. Louis Jourdan as Lyle does capture the character’s repulsiveness so well. This film hasn’t aged, you can watch today and it doesn’t feel dated one bit.

The original Finnish poster of Julie is on my kitchen wall.

Watching Doris Day, vol. 3

Lover Come Back (1961) is pretty much a reprise of Pillow Talk (1959). It’s got Doris Day, Rock Hudson & Tony Randall and a case of mistaken identity. But the thing is, it doesn’t matter. Doris & Rock are the sweetest, cutest and just the most lovable on-screen couple ever! Together they’ve got chemistry and charisma like no other. It’s just a pleasure to watch and it never gets old. And how about Ms. Day’s gowns?  Irene, costume and wardrobe designer, dressed Ms. Day impeccably with exquisite dresses and hats to match. Doris Day was and is a style icon, that’s for sure.

Poster pic from Wikipedia

Watching Doris Day, vol. 2

Caprice. One of the last films Ms. Day ever did. After this only two. In 1967 Doris’ status as the number one film star was dwindling. The world and show business had changed dramatically. This film didn’t exactly help her career. But why not? As a comedy, the film is quite decent. Doris does a good job (like always). But the plot is silly and complicated. Frankly, I would have expected better from director Frank Tashlin (who directed some of the greatest Jerry Lewis comedies ever) but I guess a good director can go only so far with a weird script? As it were, Caprice is a bit of messy mix of slapstick comedy, spy thriller and romance in one. Furthermore, Richard Harris & Doris Day is an odd pairing. There is no real chemistry between them. Or maybe there is but it’s lost in the intricacies of the plot. Harris is too young, too British (actually he was Irish) and too cocky in the part of Christopher White. Doris Day as Patricia Foster is sweet and funny and very well-dressed!! I love the overall look of the film. It’s so… 1960s and colourful and fun and beautiful!

By the way, any Doris fan in London this December is oh so lucky! The BFI presents a selection of Doris’ films, among them Pillow Talk and Love Me Or Leave Me to name a few.

Watching Doris Day, vol. 1

Romance on the High Seas. That’s were it all began. Doris Day’s film career that is. The story is silly. A suspicious wife hires a nightclub singer Georgia (Doris Day) to cruise under her identity so she can stay on and spy on her husband. Equally suspicious husband hires a private detective Peter (Jack Carson) to follow the wife onboard  the cruise ship. Funny misunderstandings ensue and the end result is easy to guess. But nevermind, the only reason why one would watch this film is the ever enchanting Doris Day. She sings like no other and she makes the film worthwhile. My favourite scene is when Georgia goes to the ship’s bar and has the following conversation:

Georgia: I’d like to get higher than a kite.
Bartender: (glances at his watch)Yes madame, what shall it be?
Georgia: I don’t know, I don’t drink.
Bartender: Oh well how about…
Georgia: (sees the band rehearsing) Nevermind, I’ll get my kicks my way. Just forget it.

And then she sings Put ‘Em In A Box, Tie ‘Em With A Ribbon. ❤

Here is a clip of Doris singing It’s Magic. It certainly is!

What A Doll!

Mattel pays tribute to one of the most adorable on-screen couples of all time by releasing a Pillow Talk gift set. The set features two dolls, Rock Hudson as Brad Allen and Doris Day as Jan Morrow, dressed in outfits seen in the film. The set looks cute and I like the idea. Pillow Talk is one of my favourite DD films and I’ve always adored the overall look of the film as well as the costume designs by Jean Louis. Don’t know if I’m actually going to buy this set though.

Photo from barbiecollector.com