Zing a Little Zong, Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman's second film together As you know, Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman in 1951 successfully played in the musical comedy of Frank Capra. Their duet was so loved by the audience (as well as the song they sang there) that in 1952 the second film of this tandem was released on the screens - Elliott Nugent's musical "For You Only".
The film became the last film in the director’s career and, by a sad coincidence, the last film in which these actors played together, despite the fact that the musical itself enjoyed the same success at the box office as its predecessor.
Plot: The famous Broadway producer, songwriter, widower and father of two Jordan Blake (Bing Crosby) devotes more time to his work than to his family. Because of this, he does not notice that his children have already grown up, for example, 18-year-old son Jerry (Robert Arthur) has long been hopelessly in love with Broadway star Carolina Hill (Jane Wyman) and wants to marry her.
Caroline hopes to get married someday, but only to Jordan. After his daughter Barbara (Natalie Wood) was arrested by the police along with his governess, because the latter argued with a police officer, Jordan realizes that he should spend more time with the children. But finding a common language with children after many years of alienation from them, of course, is not so easy.
Well, the second reunion of the duo Bing Crosby-Jane Wyman occurred already in the film, in which many components became more - more musical numbers, more color and colors (however, "Groom returns" and was at all black and white film!), more pomp - in short, everything here became more.
The plot component of the musical, of course, hardly lends itself to the definition of the genre 'drama' - rather, there is some intrigue around the characters Bing Crosby, Jane Wyman and Robert Arthur - of course, it is clear to the viewer in advance how this kind of "love triangle" will end, but it is still interesting to follow the development of the plot in this direction.
Of course, the script of the picture, of course, needed some more thorough refinement of the characters and plot twists - for example, here raised old as the world, the problem relationships of parents and children in a certain situation - however, to reveal it to the end to the writers, alas, did not have enough pressure. However, on the other hand, this is still a musical , and not a Hitchcock thriller or a serious drama , which means that the plot , in this case, should hardly play the first violin .
Next, a few words about acting. Bing Crosby quite fits into the role of a father who pays little attention to his children - perhaps the actor to some extent played himself, if you think about it, besides, his family situation at the beginning of the 50s was also far from ideal.
Jane Wyman feels very confident in the role of the star of Broadway musicals and, with her inherent temperament and enthusiasm, successfully performs several musical numbers.
Also successfully complements the film Ethel Barrymore, playing the role of the school principal, clearly understands the problems of the children of the protagonist. Robert Arthur when playing the role of the son of Crosby's hero sometimes seems not 18-year-old, and 14-year-old teenager - this is said the actions and manner of behavior of his character - a rather strange interpretation and here it is even difficult to say whether the writers are to blame or so mistakenly the actor saw his hero.
The future star of Hollywood Natalie Wood here acts in a very "decorative" role - a cute 14-year-old girl with her problems and interests - her Wood plays. However, no one is demanding more from the actress here - her transition to "age roles" is still ahead.
Musical numbers in the picture are particularly colorful, but at the same time do not fall into the artificiality , as often happens in musicals. From the songs sounding in the film, personally, I will highlight 'Checkin' My Heart', 'The Maiden of Guadalupe', 'Zing a Little Zong' (Duet song Crosby and Wyman, and again, as a year ago - deserved nomination for the Oscar for best song), 'On the 10:10 (From Ten-Ten-Ten-Ten-Tenee) and >>>
In conclusion, I summarize that it turned out easy and pleasant film, perfectly suitable for what to cheer up. Fans of Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman should definitely watch it, as should fans of musicals. Thank you very much.
9 out of 10