IT'S A GREAT FEELING

US, 1949, 85 minutes, Colour.
Jack Carson, Doris Day, Dennis Morgan, Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford. Errol Flynn, Sidney Greenstreet, Danny Kaye, Patricia Neal, Edward G. Robinson, Jane Wyman, Eleanor Parker, Ronald Reagan.
Directed by David Butler.

It's A Great Feeling is an entertaining, pleasing Warner Bros musical comedy. It is Hollywood spoofing itself - and it is interesting to see how it does it.

The setting is Warner Bros. Studios - with executives, directors and stars. The focus is on Jack Carson as himself - and the possibility of him directing and starring in a movie. He is portrayed (gallantly sending himself up) as an egomaniac. Dennis Morgan is the star - the suave contrast to Carson. In reality, they appeared in many films together and work as a pleasing team. However, there are many jokes at their expense - particularly Carson's.

The film is also an early Doris Day vehicle - and there is the portrayal of the American dream: the girl working in the canteen after coming from the country, hoping for stardom, a test.

The ins and outs of studio business are gently spoofed - and the film offers some insight into the film-making processes.

In the meantime there is an enjoyable range of guest stars and directors. The directors include King Vidor, Raoul Walsh, Michael Curtiz and David Butler, the director of the film itself. Ray Heindorf, the musical director, also appears as himself - promoting Doris Day's career and again poking fun at Carson. The range of guest stars is: Gary Cooper who does a lot of listening and whose only word is 'Yep'; Sidney Greenstreet looking smilingly sinister,' Ronald Reagan doing a patriotic stance in the make-up room and his wife Jane Wyman, speaking of their daughter Maureen. There is brief appearance by Danny Kaye, by Edward G. Robinson trying to be a good guy instead of a bad guy, Joan Crawford looking absolutely fierce - and telling the audience that that is how she is expected to act in films. There is Maurice Chevalier. Eleanor Parker and Patricia Neal appear together. The piece de resistance is Doris Day's wedding at the end of the film to a star - none other than Errol Flynn.

A good example of the kind of comedy musical made at Warner Bros. at this time, the beginning of Doris Day's career - and a more gentle touch on Hollywood itself.