We all knew Jane Wyman was wonderful with her melodramatic box of kleenex roles she did so well but what a flair for comedy... And her singing voice; what a surprise! As in many actors lives, art imitated life in this movie; Bing Crosby's wife Dixie Lee, was suffering from terminal cancer in 1952 and died before the end of the year. Bing shows a rare vulnerability we didn't see in his other films. And his talk to the soldiers in Alaska towards the film's end about being too late with his son; sounds like he was speaking to the 4 sons he and Dixie had. He wasn't a perfect father but he tried and did the best he could. Crosby seems preoccupied in this film; probably his wife's terminal illness and death had much to do with it. Crosby's widower character is in keeping with the angst he must have been feeling at this time. Natalie Wood and the actor who portrayed his son are wonderful; Ethel Barrymore-- what can I say about this great icon of stage and screen. Jane Wyman's character Carolina knows just how to keep Bing's character in line with love, adoration and resolve. Wyman fans will love this movie. 50 years later, the costumes, sets and glorious color seem very current; it's timeless!
Review of Just for You
