I Love Melvin

1953’s I Love Melvin is one of MGM's semi-forgotten musicals. It's a bit of fluff, to be honest, but a supremely enjoyable one, containing pleasant catchy songs and several really excellent dance numbers. It’s easy to see why Debbie Reynolds became a star; she’s so likable in this picture. Another plus is exterior location shooting in New York City, at a time when filming on location was relatively rare. It’s fun seeing glimpses of a place that really no longer exists…

The only problem with the film is the character of Melvin himself, as portrayed by Donald O’Conner. Now, the actor is extremely likable, but Melvin has some very basic, intrinsic character flaws. And at the end of the picture you’re left thinking that Debbie Reynolds deserved more, and could have done a lot better, than settling for Melvin.

But yeah, for a film like this you’re not too worried about the plot. I liked this one very much. It’s another fantastic transfer. I’m not sure if the increased picture resolution allowed me to see something I never noticed before, or whether previously I was simply unobservant…. Donald does a dance on skates in a gazebo in the park. As the number began, I noticed a little raised black dot in the centre of the gazebo, and was wondering what it was…. Well, turned out it was an anchor for a tether---as Donald spun around and around the perimeter of the gazebo on his skates, he was actually fastened to a (visible) wire. At any rate, I never saw ANY of the…

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I LOVE MELVIN is one of those lesser-known musicals that once you discover it you feel like you've uncovered something special! Light, COLORFUL and uncomplicated, it succeeds as the sweet and simple picture I believe it was created to be.

Debbie Reynolds is pretty irresistible here, oozing of charisma in this performance. Paired well with Donald O'Connor they make a enjoyable match on screen. Both give memorable song and dance performances throughout - my favorites being Debbie's opening number "A Lady Loves" and Donald's scene with Noreen Corcoran where she sings "Life Has Its Funny Ups and Downs" and he dances on roller skates!

I've had the DVD of I LOVE MELVIN for years and was happy when this little film was chosen to receive the Warner Archive treatment and upgrade to Blu ray. Really happy to own it looking and sounding its best!