Slightly French (DVD)

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, Heaven Can Wait, Midnight) is fired by producer Doug Hyde (Willard Parker, A Slight Case of Murder, Kiss Me Kate). When he meets carnival performer Mary O'Leary (Dorothy Lamour, Road to Morocco), 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? Also features Janis Carter (Night Editor, Framed).Newly remastered.