On Moonlight Bay (1951, Musical)

Starring: Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, and Billy Gray. Director: Roy Del Ruth.

Absolutely snort-worthy! Billy Gray plays the mischievous younger brother perfectly. I am sure Billy Gray has vast experience playing the annoying younger brother, and his character, Wesley Winfield is a riot. Wesley is always getting into trouble! While the comic relief is provided by Gray, the melodic singing was presented by Doris Day and Gordon MacRae, two of my favorite singers who are in some of my favorite musical's like Oklahoma and Calamity Jane. The music from this movie is certainly nothing to rave about. However, this type of music creates an appropriate atmosphere to this movie set during World War I.

Likewise, America was facing war at the time of this movie's release. America was just entering the Korean Conflict. Of course, there were many war protesters, especially protesters from the college. This movie uses propaganda to convince American audiences of the need to show the support that we should have for our country, particularly in William Sherman's graduation address. Sherman is explaining how his graduating class has collectively decided to join the armed forces, in order to win World War I.

William Sherman: I say to you that we must awaken to our responsibilities as students and citizens and remember that we are men and women. Not dreamers in an Ivory Tower. These are the times that try a man's soul. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot must do everything in their power......

This graduation speech could be given in 1951 or even today to help recruit soldiers for America's Army. Whether we are discussing World War I or the Korean Conflict or even the War on Terror, the message is universal and clear as William Sherman says, " We can no longer be dreamers in an Ivory tower.... We owe duty to our country." William Sherman might be a young, immature college graduate, but he has figured out many essential truths that most professional actors still have not grasped.

This entertaining flick has everything. Humor. Singing. Gordon MacRae. Great acting. And above all, a new romantic subplot. It is this romantic story that keeps the audience's attention. Throughout movie, we have become  acquainted with Marjorie Winfield and William Sherman. We are interested in how the story will end. Whether or not the following statement is correct: