DORIS DAY: 100TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE (TCM)

Would have been 100 Sunday. Died 3 years ago, RIP.

https://www.tcm.com/articles/Programming%20Article/021585/doris-day-100th-birthday-tribute

4 Movies and 6 Specials | April 3

With her dreamy voice, natural self-confidence and charisma, Doris Day lit up the screen in the 39 films she made during her three decade run in Hollywood. She sang in glossy Warner Bros. musicals, starred opposite Rock Hudson in a trio of sex comedies and showcased her acting chops in a variety of serious dramas. Day demonstrated that she had the talent and versatility to make a success out of any project she was assigned. The sheer magnitude of her fame and success that she achieved throughout the 1950s and 1960s is unmatched. At one time in her career she was the top box office attraction as well as a bestselling recording artist for several years in a row.

Many factors contributed to Doris Day’s success. Her girl-next-door persona resonated with audiences and created a wholesome, non-threatening image that followed her throughout her career. According to biographer Tom Santopietro, Day was the “perfect embodiment of post-WWII America, when problems were deemed solvable with a little determination and a lot of straightforward positive thinking.” Beyond her talents as a singer, Day excelled at comedy but could effectively pivot into drama. She paired beautifully with her leading men including Jack Carson, Gordon MacRae, James Garner and Jimmy Stewart. With her 5’7 frame and her shock of blonde hair, she wore clothes well and became known for her shorter hairstyle and updos. Day did not let her fame dictate how she lived her life and often kept her audience at a distance, making her even more alluring to fans.