"All I Do is Dream of You" from SADIE MCKEE (1934)

This is an excerpt from an often-overlooked gem from Joan Crawford's early years, SADIE MCKEE (1934). It marks the first appearance of the standard "All I Do is Dream of You", written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown. The film's cast includes Edward Arnold, and Crawford's then-husband Franchot Tone. The director was Clarence Brown, with cinematography by Oliver T. Marsh.

Gene Raymond worked consistently throughout the 1930s and 1940s. His later years were devoted mainly to acting on television. He was married for 28 years to popular actress/singer Jeanette McDonald, the love of his life, until her death in 1965. Raymond died in 1998 at the age of 89.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• 1930s
• joan
• crawford
• gene
• raymond
• mgm
• musical
• ukulele
• movie

[timboytx]

Notice how masterfully this is costumed, lit and photographed. All the costumes are relatively dark so that the faces are the point of our focus. (The exception is the white gown of Ether Ralston on stage.) Another advantage of the darker costuming is that the extras in the background remain in the background, even in the two shot of Joan Crawford and Jean Dixon. Joan's coat has a white panel on each sleeve which helps her stand out just enough, while she still can seem a part of the crowd.

[compactdisk2]

I really like this song best closer to the start of the film when he's playing it in their shoddy little apartment. It's a great song though... I work in an antiquarian bookstore, and recently the original sheet music for this song came through, which reminded me of this.

[timboytx]

That is indeed a nice little scene. At the time I posted this, that earlier scene was already on YouTube, and this one wasn't. Thanks for your comment.

[RobertHultman]

You are right. The song is a gem as is this film clip.

And it's so typical for ukulele players. They keep playing everywhere and steals the show from lesser acts. ;-)

[timboytx]

Astute observation about uke players, Robert! One thing about this clip that amuses me is how the character of Dolly is the big headliner, but her act seems to consist of just singing a few lines (poorly) and then introducing the uke player. I guess we must assume there was more to her act AFTER Tommy finishes his song.

[timboytx]

I'm glad you all enjoyed it. One thing I didn't notice right away is the interesting sign at the edge of the stage (screen right) that lists the names of the acts in the show. Dolly Merrick's name is illuminated, so I would guess that each act's name is illuminated as they are performing. I hadn't seen such a sign before. The names aren't very readable in this clip, but you can read them if watching the DVD. I didn't recognize any of the names, though.

[globalman]

I prefer the earlier Joan Crawford.....she was softer and quite pretty. She sang in a film with Clark Gable and very sweetly indeed. Our hero here was Gene Raymond who married the lovely Jeanette MacDonald about 1937. Jeanette and Joan were ultimately both among the elite of MGM Women.... along with Myrna Loy, Greta Garbo, Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow until her death

[camotophat]

I never thought of this song as a soft sweet song like this. :)

Glad I watched that Paw Dugan video.

[ConfusedSponge]

Favorited it

[ConfusedSponge]

@timboytx Thanks for pointing out

[TVWriterGuy]

Ahhhhh.....whatever happened to romance in music? Who couldn't fall in love to a tune like this?

[grenadian11]

Joan Crawford was the real deal. They don't make stars like that anymore no matter how hard they try!

[Rouben19]

This film has many unhappy themes but it was a well made and Raymond was given a great part not over done

[MillaHead]

BRAVO!

[Rouben19]

I Too had a copy of that Music with Crawford on the Front could not sell it Even on Ebay!