Can't Help Singing

Can't Help Singing is a captivating musical comedy-adventure film released in 1944, brought to life through the performances of headliners Deanna Durbin, Robert Paige, and Akim Tamiroff. The film is noteworthy as one of the few Technicolor productions Universal Pictures released in the 1940s as well as for being one of Deanna Durbin's rare forays into the world of color film. It taps into the popularity of the frontier-woman theme, portraying a unique mix of the distinct genre conventions of musicals and Western adventures, adding up to a charming cinematic meal.

The plot launches us right into a world of opulence with the introduction of the central character, Caroline Frost (Deanna Durbin), a senator's daughter living in Washington, D.C. She quickly establishes herself as a spirited and strong-willed young lady, forever altered when she receives news that her love interest, a gold prospector named Robert Latham (Wendell Corey), has thrown her over, deciding to settle down out West. Determined not to accept this outcome, Caroline absconds westward herself, defying her father, society, and convention with abandon.

Her circuitous journey to California is filled with laugh-out-loud slapstick moments, touching emotional displays, and, as expected in a Deanna Durbin film, periodic instances of her showing off her golden soprano voice with renditions of beautiful classic songs like "Californ-i-ay", "Any Moment Now", "Can't Help Singing", and “More and More".

While making her trek out West, she encounters Johnny Lawlor (Robert Paige), a charming but broke gambler, and Koppa (Akim Tamiroff), a flamboyant, opportunistic con-man. The chemistry between Caroline and Johnny is palpable, leading to a series of romantic tensions and comedic twists. Akim Tamiroff injects a good dose of comic relief while providing a pivot for the developing love story to hinge upon.

The scenic outdoor sequences of the film are beautifully shot. Its exquisite color palette — renowned Technicolor — gives a vibrant, lively sense to the open skies and vast landscapes of the West, complemented by stunning set design. As we oscillate between the fast-paced, opulent scenes of Washington society and the monumental landscapes of the frontier, we are given a striking visual depiction of Caroline's internal and external journey.

Director Frank Ryan expertly crafts a captivating tale out of Jerome Kern and E.Y. Harburg's tuneful score and a script adapted from a novel by Caryl Brahms and S.J. Simon. Kern and Harburg, two of the most respected names in the American musical canon, lend Can't Help Singing a score that is both heart-warming and catchy. It sets up every song perfectly — marking pivotal moments, and allowing Deanna Durbin's incredible vocal prowess to shine in every performance.

Durbin herself is the heart of the film. Her performance as Caroline is notable for showcasing a more mature range to her acting abilities. Her charismatic persona, encompassing determination, naiveté, and emotional depth, marks a successful departure from the more innocent, adolescent roles she had previously been known for. Robert Paige offers ample support playing Johnny, balancing Durbin's strong-willed character with a likeable roguish charm. Tamiroff, a notable eccentric character actor, lends his distinct talent as the swindler Koppa, contributing a zany, lighthearted touch to the adventure.

Can't Help Singing, being Deanna Durbin's only Technicolor movie, is a significant film in the star's oeuvre, affording viewers a delightful opportunity to see her in color, against a lush Western backdrop. The combination of Western adventure, romance, humorous moments, and spirited musical numbers create an uplifting palette, making for a rewarding and pleasurable viewing experience. It's a piece of cinema history and a tribute to the rising trends of the time that inevitably speaks volumes of its era's charm and spirit. The film is a testament to the enduring allure of the genre mash-up, the grandeur of classic 1940's cinema, and the undeniable star power of Deanna Durbin.