Movie Monday: Three Daring Daughters

Movie: Three Daring Daughters (1948)

Starring: Jane Powell, Jeanette MacDonald

Storyline: (thanks again to IMDB) It's Tess' (Powell) graduation day from "Miss Drakes School for Girls". During the choir's performance at the ceremony, Tess notices that her beautiful, divorcee mother, Louise Rayton Morgan isn't there. Louise, an editor for Modern Design Publication, is lying in Dr. Cannon's office from fainting due to being over-worked and stressed-out. At home after the graduation ceremony, Dr. Cannon has a talk with Louise's three daughters, Tess, Ilka and Alix. He tells them that their mother needs a vacation badly, but, the only way she can relax is if she goes without the girls. The girls agree, but, Louise is reluctant, but goes. The girls see their mother off on her one month Cuban cruise. When the girls get home they discuss their mother, and believe if they bring their father back home it will make their mom happy and healthy again. In reality, Louise has kept the truth about their father from them. Their father was actually a very uncaring man, who left them and left Louise to raise the girls on her own. The girls go to see their father's boss, Robert Nelson to locate their father and bring him home. Meanwhile on Louise's Cuban cruise, she meets famed pianist and conductor, Jose Iturbi. Jose is immediately taken by Louise, but she plays hard to get, but has the time of her life. When Louise finally returns home, she has a secret to tell the girls, but, the girls have a secret too.. Written by Kelly

I first fell in love with this movie (musical comedy) when I saw it on TCM channel. (When we actually had cable!) I just loved everything about the movie. I also adore Jane Powell. She isn't as well known as other actresses of her time (mostly due to losing roles on the account her growing up and maturing--and looking less "girl next door" but more womanly). Her voice is captivating and so pure sounding. She also is breathtaking!

I love seeing the girls love for their Mother and the want for her genuine happiness. They believe bringing their father back into her life will help her regain the happiness they feel she lost. Whatever happened to the love and respect for our parents?

The girls scheming and plotting has a few twists, especially at the end after they meet Jose and their Mother reveals her awaited news, as well as exposes the truth about their father.

I think this might be a good lesson to parents. Don't lie to your children, even if you think they will have a hard time hearing the truth. It will come out eventually and it's best to just be honest with you kids--especically if you want them to be honest with you!

Alas, as most Hollywood movies. This one has a good ending.

This movie is very endearing and cute and has many great singing moments by Powell. It's one of those feel good movies that you can really get into. I love movies that make you feel good and this is one of them.

Now out on DVD. (finally!)

Happy Viewing!