DEEP IN MY HEART
1954 – NR – 132 Min.
D: Stanley Donen
S: José Ferrer – Doe Avedon – Helen Traubel – Walter Pidgeon – Jim Backus – Merle Oberon – More.
Warner Home Entertainment DVD – Newly released as part of the Classic Musicals From The Dream Factory: Volume 3 collection.
Anamorphic Widescreen / Dolby Digital 5.1
Extras: Musical Short – Classic Cartoon – Two Outtake Musical Numbers – Audio Only Outtake – Trailer
Ferrer essays the role of Sigmund Romberg, a passionate and highly creative composer who was desperate to share his gift with the world even though the world, more often than not, just wanted something catchy that they could dance to. Romberg is constantly at odds with the very nature of the business. He wants, same as anybody, to be happy and therefore tries to get along as best he can writing music he is not proud of for plays he despises, but always waiting for his chance. Things move pretty fast in Romberg’s career and he quickly experiences great success, harsh failure, bankruptcy, wealth, and, despite an apparent desire to avoid it, love. Lillian (Avedon) is the woman that steals his heart and once married Romberg’s inspiration is unstoppable. Arguably among the most accessible and friendly of the many musical biographies of the era, Deep In My Heart still drags a bit. There are 22 songs crammed into the running time, perhaps at the cost of some narrative depth. Lots of star cameos are to be found in the many recreations of Romberg’s contributions to the musical stage and there are a couple of moments that truly stand out. For example, Gene Kelley and his real life brother Fred perform a lively song and dance. Also, you’ll get to see the surprisingly sexy number featuring the statuesque Cyd Charisse and James Mitchell; it’s a showstopper. Most of the rest passes by in a rushed blur of activity. Deep In My Heart is a marginal, undemanding affair that will be much more rewarding for dedicated fans of the music in question then it will be for most anyone else.