Doctor Rhythm
| Doctor Rhythm | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Frank Tuttle |
| Produced by | Emanuel Cohen |
| Written by | |
| Based on |
The Badge of Policeman O'Roon by O. Henry |
| Starring | |
| Music by | James V. Monaco |
| Cinematography | |
| Edited by | Alex Troffey |
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Production
company |
Major Pictures Corporation
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| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
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Release date
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Running time
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80 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Doctor Rhythm is a 1938 American musical comedy film directed by Frank Tuttle and starring Bing Crosby, Mary Carlisle, Beatrice Lillie, and Andy Devine. Based on the short story The Badge of Policeman O'Roon by O. Henry, the film is about a doctor who pretends to be a policeman assigned as the bodyguard of a wealthy matron, whose beautiful niece becomes the object of his affections. The film features the songs "On the Sentimental Side" and "My Heart Is Taking Lessons".
Dr. Bill Remsen (Bing Crosby) helps cover for his ailing policeman friend (Andy Devine) and takes the policeman's latest assignment as the bodyguard for a quirky but wealthy matron Mrs. Lorelei Dodge-Blodgett (Bea Lillie). Soon Bill falls in love with the lady's beautiful niece (Mary Carlisle). When the older woman becomes the target of thieves, Bill is able to thwart their efforts.
The movie was filmed in Hollywood starting on October 13, 1937 and finishing in December of the same year. It had its Los Angeles premiere at the Paramount on April 28, 1938 and its New York premiere at the Paramount on May 18, 1938. This was Crosby's second independent feature outside his Paramount contract.George Stoll was the Musical Director with John Scott Trotter handling the musical arrangements and orchestration.
Frank S. Nugent writing in The New York Times was not impressed. "In the Paramount’s Doctor Rhythm, Bing Crosby, Bea Lillie & Co. are wooing the comic muse as though they had a $5 bet on its surrender. Maybe a $3 bet. Nothing quite so grim as their pursuing of the elfin guffaw has been seen in these parts since Martha Raye fell down the incinerator chute....An advantage — we might say the only advantage — is the complete informality of the show, an attitude for which Miss Lillie is largely and blessedly responsible....This puts her one up on Mr. Crosby, whose crooning is almost too liquid this time. “On the Sentimental Side”, “This Is My Night to Dream” and “My Heart Is Taking Lessons” were not so much sung as wrung out. Too bad, too, for they’re good numbers."
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Wikipedia