TheLittleSongbird
The main appeal of 'The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady' is the cast, my main reason for seeing it in the first place and after watching it was the main reason why it is as worthwhile as it is. Gordon McRae and Debbie Reynolds were major talents that lifted any film they were in with their presence, June Haver was also very talented but is pretty underrated now and SZ Sakall has proved numerous times that he can be a cuddly and amusing scene-stealer.Luckily, the cast don't disappoint. Haver is poised and charming throughout, while Reynolds is her usual peppy, adorable and spunky self. McRae sings a dream as always and acquits himself well in the acting stakes, while solid support also comes from Gene Nelson and a touching James Barton in a rare screen appearance.Only Sakall disappoints somewhat, with his fumbling schtick gradually coming over as annoying and overdone. Jane Darwell also doesn't register particularly strongly in a role that gives her little to do.Handsomely mounted production values and quaint photography are further things to like, as well as more than able direction and pleasant and beautifully performed music and songs. The dancing is suitably energetic and poised, and 'The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady' has its amusing and poignant moments. The film moves quickly with very rare a dull stretch.Really, Sakall, some at times rather insipid dialogue that really comes over as corny and sometimes stilted and a story that has great atmosphere but is also very slight to non-existence and with one too many routine parts are the only real issues here in 'The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady'.All in all, a charming and easy to like film that isn't great but doesn't try to be or do any more than needed. 7/10 Bethany Cox
dalrymple-3
Here is a delightful musical comedy movie that should be put out on DVD so everyone can enjoy viewing it during the Christmas holiday season. If nothing else, it should be released in a box set of Christmas movies. In our opinion this film is drastically underrated by other critics. This is June Haver's best movie and Gordon Macrae is also outstanding and in excellent voice. Debbie Reynolds, in her film debut, and Gene Nelson are also very good. All of the songs are well done and memorable and we would like to see a CD soundtrack release, also. It has a strong plot that takes place during the 1890's. Some of the characters may have come from real life, but the plot, I am sure, is pretty much fiction. This movie is very entertaining all the way through to the wonderful grand musical and comedy finale. We try to watch it every year around the holiday season.
babblingbooks
A pleasure to see such a great team as Gordon McRae and June Haver on the big screen together. Debbie Reynolds, as her little sister, added a delightful touch (her first speaking role, I believe). June and Debbie's Irish Dad, Barton McLane, did a great nostalgic song and dance ("My Own True Love And I") that would break any Irish person's heart. Gordon played the part of Tony Pastor in his own bright inimitable way. His singing was particularly terrific. Always liked the man. No one else I can think of sang the gay nineties songs as well as he. June and Gene Nelson's (whom I can usually do without) presentation of the title song "The Daughter Of Rosie O'Grady", was a gem, and added much to the show. You came out of the theater humming this tune. Any time the movie appears on TV, I will try very hard not to miss it. It is a 'feel good about the world' musical and one of the great "escape" pieces of it's day. In my opinion, no MGM musical (including "Singing In The Rain") can make it take a back seat. My lord, how I envied that man (Gordon). He could fall off a shelf and come up singing right on the beat. Strangely enough, I cannot remember S.Z. Sakall's part in the movie; although he appears on the credits. When I track down the video (and I will track it down) I'll come back and update this. Of course, he was a street car conductor.
BARB5MR
Nobody can sing a song like Gordon MacRae. If you like nothing else about the movie it is worth the time just to hear him sing. I think the movie was really good. It takes you back to a time that no longer exist and it has a good story line too. June Haver is beautiful and one of the best for song and dance. She and Gene Nelson trip the light fantastic in several numbers. I think they are just fun to watch. I may be a little over the top for some of you but one of my passions are the old musicals. Then you add in Debbie Reynolds as the cute innocent little sister and the movie just keeps getting better.I have never seen a movie that S.Z. Sakall was in that wasn't very funny. He is without a doubt one of my very favorite actors. He made appearances in so many of the old musicals and as always was great. He and James Barton who played Dennis O'Grady were really good together. All in all if you like old musicals you should love this one. I just wish they would blow off the dust and get this one out on DVD, soon!
AD
