Because of Him

Movie Review: Because of Him

Year of Release: 1946
Country of Origin: USA
Director: Richard Wallace
Cast: Deanna Durbin, Charles Laughton, Franchot Tone

Plot outline: A young woman who wants to break into the theater schemes to become the protege of a famous Broadway star (IMDb).

Although Deanna Durbin gets the top billing, the movie unquestionably belongs to Charles Laughton. His performance is magnificently expansive. This, unfortunately, can not be said of Miss Durbin. Her vocal chords are as melodious as ever, but she only sings three songs: "Lover," "Danny Boy" and "Goodbye" - obviously because she is so busy acting. And incidentally, all Durbin's efforts to convince the great John Sheridan that she is a promising young actress, quite worthy of becoming his leading lady, ironically fail until she overwhelms him with a rendition of "Danny Boy." The point is that she sings the sentimental Irish ballad with a true feeling for its pathos. An encore would certainly, have been in order. On the whole, the movie is a pleasant-enough entertainment, chiefly because Mr. Laughton had the wisdom to toss restraint out the door. Franchot Tone plays a polished playwright - it would be nice to meet an unpolished one for a change - with a high degree of petulance and naivete, while Helen Broderick and Donald Meek fare a little better in lesser roles. But the fact which can't be stressed too strongly is that Miss Durbin should make the most of her greatest asset: her voice. (NYT)

My judgement: ** out of 4 stars