You're My Everything (1949) User Reviews

Shirley Temple rip-off

[HotToastyRag · 5/10 · 10 January 2019]

Although parts of You're My Everything are adorable, one of the major storylines is such a direct copy of Shirley Temple, it's amazing the Temple family didn't sue. They probably couldn't, because the studio was 20th Century Fox; Fox probably gave permission on behalf of the Temples.

Anne Baxter falls in love with musical performer Dan Dailey in the 1920s, but when he goes to Hollywood to hopefully pursue his acting, the studio executives like Anne's accidental talent better! So, Dan takes a backseat while Anne becomes a silent film star. The movie shows a couple of black-and-white shorts that are really cute, and one of them includes a ten-second cameo by Buster Keaton! When Anne and Dan start a family, that's when everything changes-and that's where Shari Robinson comes in pretending to be Shirley Temple. She's a curly-haired, grinning, tap-dancing little girl who makes a movie set in the Civil War, where her dad is injured and she makes friends with a black house slave, whom she tap dances with. Anything else? Yes, there is something else: Shari sings "On the Good Ship Lollipop".

Anne and Dan's romance is very sweet, and easily the best part of the movie. They're reluctant to get married, since Dan is poor and Anne is too much of a lady to propose, so her well-intentioned aunt Anne Revere plays matchmaker. All through their rocky marriage, you can tell the foundation is good and that real love is present. For a light mock-Hollywood movie, it's nice to see a good romance instead of a fluffy one.

Worth it for the charm of Dan Dailey!

[bobj-3 · 13 December 2001]

One of a slew of late 40s Hollywood musicals about show biz folks, this film stands out for the charm of Dan Dailey and the warmth and sparkle that he enjoys with his co-star, Anne Baxter. They play a married couple who also share a vaudeville stage and then a silent film career. When talking pictures come in, the usual troubles of transition unfold, with Baxter making it big and Dailey, eventually, deciding to stay as a song-and-dance man. Along the way a score of great songs from the teens and 20s allow Dailey not only to display his talents as a hoofer (to choreography by the great Nick Castle), but to sing (the title song is worth the price of admission). Not by any means as good as 1951's "Singing in the Rain" which also concerns the transition to talkies, "You're My Everything" is nonetheless a highly entertaining, indeed lovable, picture.

Cringe-worthy but for the Songs and Dailey Dancing

[LeonardKniffel · 3/10 · 1 May 2020]

Beautiful Anne Baxter stars in a completely nonmusical role as the starstruck female equivalent of a "stagedoor Johnny," conniving her way into marriage with her song-and-dance-man idol played by Dan Dailey. One thing leads to another and she becomes a silent movie star who then, inexplicably, forbids her daughter from going into show biz. Baxter whines and Dailey lies and it all culminates with their Shirley Temple wannabe daughter (played by Shari Robinson) singing "On the Good Ship Lollypop-in a movie set in 1924, even though the song was not published until 1934. There are only two reasons to watch this film: the high point with Dan Daily showing his skill as one of the best movie dancers of his time and the low point with Dailey doing a cringe-worthy turn as a stereotypical "Uncle Tom" looking and acting like a fool in full blackface. Oh, and along the way you get to hear some really great songs: "Varsity Drag," "Charleston," "Ain't She Sweet," "Would You Like to Take a Walk?" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo" (which was written in 1941). Fast forward button highly recommended.

On the SS (slave ship) Lollipop

[damaqklaive-729-687576 · 1/10 · 19 April 2024]

I usually don't comment, but I was compelled to after experiencing this depravity.

But still, I have trouble finding the words. A cringe-worthy blackface performance by Dan Dailey and the sub-standard Shirley Temple doppelganger Shari Robinson are two prime reasons to stay far away. I was surprised to see Anne Baxter connected to this mess, but (no spoilers) at the end, when she "joins in" -- (you know what I mean if you've had the displeasure of viewing this filth) -- I abandoned all hope. Not to mention a certain dance number on a certain ship. Not to be believed, brother.

And I DO mean brother.

Don't make the same soul-crushing decision as I did, and partake in this insensitive racist steaming pile of dung. Yeesh.

Shari Robinson dancing makes it all watchable

[bill-dean-2 · 8/10 · 17 January 2006]

Ten year old Shari Robinson is the most co-ordinated dancer for her age I have ever seen. Shirly Temple is only a clod hopper compared to Shari. She was always perfect. I wonder why she did not make it big as she aged. She had the beauty, the voice, the personality to make it big. Does anyone know what happened to her? Dan Daily is a great dancer. I can forgive the black face, given the era. Dan, in my opinion is one of the very few really tall dancers who can pull it off. Most dancers, like Gene Kelly, are rather short. I have saved to my TIVO the last few minutes in which Shari and Dan do such a wonderful dance. I can play it over and over. The way they toss the walking cane back and forth is a miracle.

A sort of poor man's "Singin' in the Rain" and not bad at all...

[Doylenf · 18 October 2002]

Transition from silent to sound movies has been used in countless movies, most successfully in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN--but you won't find any complaints from me about using this ploy in YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING.

Indeed, this is a pleasant musical romp with Dan Dailey giving one of his finest performances as a trooper who can really sing and dance with the best of them. Story deals breezily with mismatched spouses (Baxter and Dailey) pursuing careers in vaudeville and silent movies during the '20s and '30s. The sprightly song numbers are the film's chief charm but the pleasant cast is up to the acting chores too.

Reminds me of the sort of nostalgic charm other movies of this period had--films like HAS ANYBODY SEEN MY GAL? and MARGIE. It passes the time pleasantly and is a reminder of what some musicals were like during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Shari Robinson and 'Bill Robinson' dance and sing in imitation of Shirley Temple movies

[estherwalker-34710 · 8/10 · 17 July 2022]

The first pairing of song and dance man Dan Dailey, as Tim O'Connor, and non-musical Anne Baxter, as Hannah Adams, this being a musical. Their second pairing occurred the following year in the basically non-musical(except for one number) "Ticket to Tomahawk", both of which languish in obscurity today. But, if you are a fan of Dan or Anne, you will want to see both. You may remember Anne as playing Queen Nefertiti, in "The Ten Commandments", despite her objection that she considered herself miscast, looking like her fair-skinned pug-nosed Irish self, rather than as a darkish-skinned Egyptian. In addition, you will want to see 10-11yo Shari Robinson sing and dance, in imitation of previous Fox child-star Shirley Temple, with Dan, in black face, clearly a stand-in for Shirley's companion and dance partner : African American Bill Robinson, in "The Littlest Rebel". Shari sings Shirley's signature song : The Good Ship Lollipop", from "Bright Eyes". Remember that Shirley was only 6 or 7 in these films, vs. Shiri being 10-11, probably playing a year or 2 younger. So, naturally, Shari, appears a more coordinated dancer and better singer than Shirley. Dan also sings and dances up a storm in this production. They supposedly were in the film "Rebel in Crinoline", with obvious reference to "The Littlest Rebel" Shari had won a Shirley-Temple mimicking contest in her home city, and, as a result, was picket to play Shirley in this film. Fortuitously, her face strongly resembled that of Anne, who is her mother in this film. Unfortunately, there was little more to her Hollywood career.

Otherwise, the film begins with Anne(Hannah) a devote to stage song and dance man Tim(Dan). Anne Revere, as her aunt Jane, facilitates their romantic connection and ,soon, marriage. Tim gets a call from Hollywood , for an audition. During his audition, Hannah serves as his partner to show his facility in kissing and hugging. Ironically, Tim is rejected, but Hannah is enthusiastically signed up, and groomed to be the studio's star actress for some years. This is 1924. Hence, movies are silent. Meanwhile, Tim is doing his usual acts at nightclubs.......... Eventually, talkies are invented. Apparently, Hannah isn't good at them, hence her contract is dropped. Instead, she gives birth to a girl: Jane(Shari). Instead, Tim is hired to star in some musicals, since that is what audiences wanted, at that time. Tim's dance production "Chattanooga Choo Choo", including the African American Beary Brothers, is the highlight of this segment.(See at YouTube). Then, suddenly , the public is weary of too may musicals, wanting dramas and action pictures, especially of gangsters. So, Tim's contract is terminated(despite the fact that he was also a fine actor). In consequence, Tim suggests to Hannah that they retire from show business, to a bucolic existence. Using Hannah's savings, they buy a farm, so that Tim can become a leisurely 'gentleman farmer'.. Apparently, they have a good life during the '30s, in spite of the Depression.

During this time, Jane was given singing and dancing lessons, and as the late '30s rolled around, audience interest in musicals had revived, and Shirley Temple's childhood film career was winding down, Tim got the inspiration to take Jane to Hollywood for a screen test. In contrast, Hannah didn't like the idea of Jane becoming a child movie star. She wanted her to have a normal childhood. The last portion of the film is dominated by this conflict. Finally, Hannah agrees to only one film including Jane. But, Tim sneakily signs her up for a 3 picture contract. When Hannah discovers this, she 'blows her stack', and takes Jane with her to her original home in Boston, with Aunt Jane. In response, the film producer decides to have the premier showing in Boston, so that Jane can be introduced to the audience. Jane and Hannah attend, and Hannah is thrilled. After the show, Jane is introduced to the audience. Tim arrives, and, seemingly, he and Hannah make up, for a happy ending.

Incidentally, if Dan's dancing style and overall show biz style somewhat reminds you of Ray Bolger(the scarecrow, in "The Wizard of Oz"), that's not just coincidence. In Dan's early pre-Hollywood career, on Broadway, he was Ray's understudy for a while. Both became notable 'triple threat' film actors(dancing, singing, and comedy), not to mention fine straight actors, both with charismatic film personalities. I always enjoy a Dan Dailey performance : musical or otherwise. Enjoy!

You can see this film free at YouTube. It's in color.

A Great, Sincere Movie with Great Acting

[phawley-251-115921 · 9/10 · 9 April 2022]

This is a great sincere movie, with considerable talent.

Anne Baxter was so driven to be a great actress and she loves it and you can tell. Her performance shines. Dan Dailey is a superb dancer, singer and actor. I am surprised we didn't see more of him. He is talent. He is so enjoyable to watch!

He also played his husband role and connection with Anne Baxter with such sweetness and sincerity. It was so believable and, kind...Very unique.

Some of the writing didn't quite make sense -- they have a great relationship, but why does Anne/wife try to turn her daughter away from any show business? She went after a show business man, and became a star in show business. So she pursued it thoroughly.... and then she says she doesn't want her daughter growing up like Dan, but she married Dan.

It is is understandable in some ways... But her daughter also shows talent.

The other part of the writing that doesn't quite make sense is when Dan starts to lie. It just doesn't seem in character. He says "just one movie" for their daughter, to appease his wife and then signs other future movie options without her knowledge. He really wanted his daughter to thrive in show business, as she had a penchant for it. It seemed natural for her to do it and it seemed a shame the mom was stopping it. But Dan's lying wasn't right and it also did not seem natural. So it seemed more a writer's contrivance for conflict, a writer's device. (Please also note unacceptable blackface scenes which were acceptable at the time but should never be. Turn away.)

Another great character actor in here was Stanley Ridges. It's why I originally chose this movie. He is a mastermind in being compelling for good or for bad. Here he is magnetic and charming. See "Internes Can't Get Paid" and you will see one of the best, most cruel and eery gangsters trying to get a vulnerable (Barbara Stanwyck) to sleep with him. He is so compelling, hawkish, subtle, it's chilling. Watch Stanley Ridges whenever you can. That movie is a great one with Stanwyck and Joel McCrea, so you can't miss there, either.

Back to You're my Everything: At the end they reconcile in a beautiful way, but, there was no clear reconciliation as to whether their daughter would be in show business or not. They committed to being together in a funloving, beautiful family reconciliation, but we don't know who backed down. So lurking in your mind is will there be arguments again? Will someone leave someone again? Will they fight over their daughter being in show business?

This movie was beautiful with a simple story, very good acting, great song and dance. The little girl was rarely heard from again and she was a talent! Such timing! Beautiful dancing.. she and Dan Dailey had beautiful scenes together... It's a shame she wasn't seen more - Shari Robinson.

A great movie which I really enjoyed.