A certain 30s sensibility through much of this, with Spring Byington reprising her role in You Can't Take It with You (sort of). Judy is always worthwhile, but Van Heflin is awful, just awful. His sudden transition from cranky genius to love-struck schoolboy is sudden and unconvincing, and his range of expression is paper-thin. Also, why director Taurog thought he needed to subject his audience to so much of Eggerth's ridiculous "singing" and "acting" is beyond me. Finally as another reviewer says, the finale is tacked on and not particularly interesting. Judy could have used a more engaging co-star (like one with actual talent!), but she's often funny, and when they let her swing in the musical numbers, she leaves you wishing for more.
Review of Presenting Lily Mars
