Slightly French

Director Douglas Sirk, best known for his melodramatic masterpieces of the ?50s, directs this charming musical-comedy which gives a peek into the Hollywood studio system of the 1940s. After driving his leading lady to an emotional breakdown, director John Gayle (Don Ameche) is fired by producer Doug Hyde (Willard Parker). When he meets carnival performer Mary O'Leary (Dorothy Lamour), John plots to get his job back by molding her into a sophisticated actress whom he can pass off as a fascinating French beauty. Mary's a quick study, and she provides just the international flair Doug needs for the film. When Mary lands the part, John is rehired, too, but, in Pygmalion-like fashion, Mary has fallen for her tutor, who is consumed only with his own ambition. The love complication deepens into a triangle when Doug falls for Mary. Can she keep up the ruse and succeed as a star? Newly remastered.

Director Douglas Sirk's love of cinematic esoterica was kept in check in the musical comedy SLIGHTLY FRENCH. Dorothy Lamour stars as Mary O'Leary, a carnival entertainer who's discovered by enterprising director John Gayle (Don Ameche). The plot dictates that Gayle must pass off Mary as an elegant Parisian actress/singer. This slender plotline enables the film to toss off a number of satirical quips about show biz, and to display Lamour in a variety of exotic costumes. The best musical numbers occur during an extended film-within-a-film sequence. SLIGHTLY FRENCH is buoyed by its expert supporting cast, including Janis Carter, Willard Parker and Adele Jergens.