In 1917 Indiana, small-town tomboy Doris Day (as Marjorie Winfield) loses her interest in baseball when she meets handsome English Literature major Gordon MacRae (as William "Bill" Sherman). Their romance is threatened by meddlesome family members, another suitor, and a World War. The reason Billy Gray (as Wesley Winfield), Ms. Day's 11-year-old little brother, threatens to steal the film is that this was originally his story. This film was based on Booth Tarkington's "Penrod" boy adventure books. The stories were re-tailored as Doris Day vehicles. As such, they work very well...
The sequel to this one, "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" is even more smoothly presented, although one wants to give art director Douglas Bacon, editor film Thomas Reilly, and set director William Wallace a special thanks for their work "On Moonlight Bay". Day and the song standards are lovely. There is an excellent spoof of silent films included - when young Gray goes to the "picture show" and sees the Vitagraph three-reel "The Curse of Drink" starring Creighton Hale. Of the regulars, incorrigible Gray and housekeeper Mary Wickes (as Stella) get the best lines and funniest scenes.
****** On Moonlight Bay (7/26/51) Roy Del Ruth ~ Doris Day, Billy Gray, Gordon MacRae, Mary Wickes
The sequel to this one, "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" is even more smoothly presented, although one wants to give art director Douglas Bacon, editor film Thomas Reilly, and set director William Wallace a special thanks for their work "On Moonlight Bay". Day and the song standards are lovely. There is an excellent spoof of silent films included - when young Gray goes to the "picture show" and sees the Vitagraph three-reel "The Curse of Drink" starring Creighton Hale. Of the regulars, incorrigible Gray and housekeeper Mary Wickes (as Stella) get the best lines and funniest scenes.
****** On Moonlight Bay (7/26/51) Roy Del Ruth ~ Doris Day, Billy Gray, Gordon MacRae, Mary Wickes