MovieChat Forums > Always in My Heart (1942) Discussion > My first favorite movie

My first favorite movie

posted 14 years ago by TrippyTrellis
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In 1950, when I was seven or eight years old, I saw a re-release of ALWAYS IN MY HEART; and it was love at first sight. I loved Angie (the great Una O'Connor's most charming performance) and Booley and their antics kept me laughing hysterically throughout most of the movie. I loved the beautiful song; a song that I was familiar with in different Spanish versions but had never heard it sung before by a soprano. I loved and was moved by the heartwarming plot. But what made ALWAYS IN MY HEART my all time favorite movie was the lovely presence of Gloria Warren. She was charming, had the loveliest smile that I had ever seen and a beautiful voice. Gloria was the first love of my life.

I saw the movie again almost 30 years later and enjoyed it almost as much. Once more I rediscovered Kay Francis' charming performance, the genius of Una O'Connor's comedic talent, the adorable Patty Hale (who disappeared, like Gloria, without a trace), Lecuona's unforgettable song and the oh-so-pretty face and lovely voice of Gloria Warren. But I also realized how Orry-Kelly single-handedly ruined Gloria's career.

Throughout the movie one is conscious that this lovelier than springtime girl seems a couple of years older than her age in the movie, which is fine and really doesn't make any difference. Orry-Kelly, however, tries to remedy this fact by dressing her in the exact same manner that Judy Garland was dressed in THE WIZARD OF OZ; that is by giving her awkwardly high-waisted dresses to minimize her bust. Thanks to him, poor Gloria looks heavy and ungainly during most of the movie.

I always remember Gloria with great fondness and, in spite of his many achievements, I hate Orry-Kelly for sabotaging her career.

[–] mdonln 9 years ago

Throughout the movie one is conscious that this lovelier than springtime girl seems a couple of years older than her age in the movie, which is fine and really doesn't make any difference. Orry-Kelly, however, tries to remedy this fact by dressing her in the exact same manner that Judy Garland was dressed in "The Wizard of Oz"; that is by giving her awkwardly high-waisted dresses to minimize her bust. Thanks to him, poor Gloria looks heavy and ungainly during most of the movie.

Like you I love this movie. I think everyone, including Ms. Warren, did an excellent job.

I'm not really sure how old Ms. Warren is supposed to be in the movie but she was quite young in real life too. She seemed to be dressed appropriately for the age of her character but I hardly think the way she was dressed had anything to do with her future success or lack thereof. Audiences either appreciated her music or they did not. Her manner of dress probably did not play a role.

I hate Orry-Kelly for sabotaging her career.

That's quite an accusation. Having talent is often not enough to succeed in the entertainment industry. Some performers fail to learn that lesson. Even with great talent they have to work hard and stick with it, sometimes for years, before they finally get their so-called big break; assuming they ever do get it.

Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]