Professor Popinjay's Compendium of Perspicacity

A Non-Review by Professor Popinjay

No this is not a Nightmare on Elm Street film as one might assume from the title.

Gus Kahn was a real-life songwriter who wrote such memorable songs as “It Had to Be You”, “Makin’ Whoopie”, “Love Me or Leave Me”, “Memories”, “Ain’t We Got Fun”, and many more songs your great grandparents used to cut a rug to.

Starring Danny Thomas and Doris Day as Gus and Grace Kahn, this film follows from when they met and chronicles the ups and downs of his career, much of which was spurred on or overcame by Grace Kahn’s machinations. In fact she’s portrayed as downright Machiavellian about it. Okay so she’s not sinister but it’s clear if it weren’t for her willingness to go over her husband’s head he would have floundered multiple times. At one point Gus even begins to resent these manipulations but realizes his wife is doing her best to support him even when he’s in the doldrums.

It’s half biopic half musical with some decent one liners. Not your usual Doris Day vehicle which is nice for a change. My favorite line; after being required to borrow Grace’s father’s jacket and tie before coming to dinner at their house, it’s mentioned by Grace that Gus had not yet gotten a haircut. Gus, feeling a bit picked on but in good spirits about it replies “Perhaps I can borrow your father’s haircut too.”

I particularly liked the part when the diva who was buzzing around Gus explains that she gave up trying to seduce Gus because he was a solid wall of loyalty to Grace.

See it if you want or don’t. Look for Jim Backus (from Giligan’s Island and voice of Mr. Magoo) and Mary Wickes (from Sister Act).

PS: This film has nothing to do with the 2014 film of the same name despite having a similar plot. I’ve not seen it so there may be a connection but I’m not sure yet.