Introduction by Eddie Muller on Monday, July 13

The tumultuous life of dancer-singer Ruth Etting (Doris Day, in a revelatory performance) gets a vivid retelling in this vivacious and vitriolic biopic that is equal parts lavish musical and noir-stained psychodrama. Daniel Fuchs (Hollow Triumph, Criss Cross) won a “Best Writing, Motion Picture Story” Oscar for this tale of the 1920s singing and dancing sensation who makes a Faustian bargain for fame and glory—becoming a protégé to Chicago gangster Marty Snyder (Jimmy Cagney, in an Oscar-nominated performance). The role is such a scintillating showcase for Doris Day’s talents that it’s hard to believe Ava Gardner was the studio’s first choice for the starring role until Cagney convinced producer Joe Pasternak that Day, borrowed from Warner Bros., was the perfect choice. Many of Etting’s greatest hits are performed by Day, including “Ten Cents a Dance,” “You Made Me Love You,” "Stay on the Right Side, Sister," as well as “I’ll Never Stop Loving You,” a 1956 Oscar nominee for Best Original Song.