Something in the Wind (1947)

Director:

Irving Pichel

Writers:

William Bowers (writer)
Harry Kurnitz (writer)

Release Date:

1 August 1947 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical

Plot:

A millionaire's grandson mistakes a beautiful female disc jockey for her aunt, who is dating the boy's grandfather. |

Cast

Deanna Durbin	...	Mary Collins
John Dall	...	Donald Read
Donald O'Connor	...	Charlie Read
Charles Winninger	...	Uncle Chester Read
Helena Carter	...	Clarissa Prentice
Margaret Wycherly	...	Grandma Read
Jean Adair	...	Mary Collins' aunt
Four Williams Brothers	...	Themselves
Jacqueline deWit	...	Fashion Show Saleslady
Jan Peerce	...	Tony

Runtime:

94 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

Finland:S | USA:Approved (PCA #12468, Adult Audience)

Company:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Trivia:

During the press junket for the film, a Universal press agent concocted a fake organization, the National Association of Disc Jockeys, in honor of the fact that Durbin played a DJ. The real DJs invited to the junket liked the idea, and decided to make it a real association.

Soundtrack:

It's Only Love

A surprisingly deft comedy by Deanna Durbin.

I recently purchased this DVD as part of a six movie pack. I wished to review "Something In The Wind" because I had focused on Donald O'Connor too much. I was pleased to note that Deanna Durbin was an accomplished light comedy actress in addition to her vocal talents. The ease with which she performed her first song in this movie as a disc jockey is an excellent example of her innate acting ability.

The role played by John Dall seemed too far removed from his role in "The Corn Is Green". There seemed to be little chemistry between Durbin and Dall.

Donald O'Connor was polished as usual but then he had been in movies for over a decade by this time having debuted with Bing Crosby and Fred MacMurray in "Sing You Sinners". It was interesting to realize that the zany short routine he did for Deanna was the groundwork for his 'Make 'Em Laugh' routine in "Singing In The Rain".

Although the impact of "100 Men And A Girl" was never realized again, Deanna Durbin left an enjoyable body of work in her career in Hollywood. There were five or so as a young teen-ager beginning with "Three Smart Girls", "100 Men And A Girl", "Mad About You", "That Certain Age" and Three Smart Girls Grow Up".

With the advent of "First Love" (her'first screen kiss')and pairing with Bob Stack, she began to leave the adolescent stage. Her subsequent movies showed that she had acting ability in addition to her juvenile charm and appealing voice. She did not experience the awkward stage of Shirley Temple and graduated smoothly into adult roles. She may not have been another Irene Dunne nor Rosalind Russell but her comedy was enjoyable and her vocalization always pleasant albeit somewhat schmaltzy to some.

The Williams Bros received billing in this movie but it would be difficult to pick out which one was Andy.

For those not fortunate enough to have grown up in the Deanna Durbin 'saves Univeral Studio' era, this movie is one fine example of how she did it. Light but very entertaining.