Main Cast: José Ferrer, Helen Traubel, Merle Oberon, Doe Avedon, Walter Pidgeon
Release Year: 1954
Country: US
Run Time: 132 minutes
Plot
Deep in My Heart is the MGM-ified biography of composer Sigmund Romberg, here played by José Ferrer. Evidently the scripters didn't feel that the life of Romberg (as set down by author Elliott Arnold, whose book was used as the film's basis) had enough drama to fill out two hours and ten minutes. As a result, the film is overstocked with guest stars, performing such Romberg standards as "One Alone," "Lover Come Back to Me," "When I Grow Too Old to Dream," "Will You Remember," and "Stout-Hearted Men." Among these celebrities are Ann Miller, Vic Damone, Jane Powell, Tony Martin, Cyd Charisse, Rosemary Clooney, and Gene Kelly, the latter performing a dance duet with his seldom-seen brother, Fred. For all the heady competition, it is José Ferrer who renders the most memorable production number: a one-man presentation of the Romberg musical comedy Jazzboat, in which Ferrer assumes all the roles, from star Al Jolson's to the entire female chorus! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
As with practically every biopic about a musical figure, MGM's Deep in My Heart is pretty far off base when it comes to actual facts about its subject (in this case, Sigmund Romberg, one of the most popular operetta composers in American history). The dialogue in this entry is particularly inane, and the character development unbelievable -- and it's not very flattering that Romberg is presented as a man who sells his artistic integrity at the drop of a hat. What makes Heart work are, of course, the musical numbers, especially those performed by the wide array of "guest stars." Far and away the film's finest moment is the intensely steamy dance between the gorgeous, sultry Cyd Charisse and the virile James Mitchell, set to "One Alone." The duo perform Eugene Loring's erotic choreography perfectly, creating one of the most sensual numbers ever put on the screen. Also of note is Ann Miller's delightful, exuberant "It"and the rare onscreen pairing of brothers Gene and Fred Kelly in the vaudevillian "I Love to Go Swimmin' With Women," as well as the charming "Mr. and Mrs.," featuring José Ferrer and then-wife Rosemary Clooney. As Romberg, Ferrer tries very hard -- too hard in some cases -- but is done in by the material. His performance of the "Jazz-a-Doo" sequence is a bit exhausting; it requires someone with a more effortless command of music and comedy, but it's fun to watch. Stanley Donen's direction is smooth and suits the material, but doesn't find a great deal of variety. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
The film was not a critical success. According to the reviewer for the New York Times, Deep in My Heart "calls for a strong digestive system and a considerable tolerance for clichés."[1] Although the film is out of print in VHS and laserdisc formats, it has been released on DVD.[2] The soundtrack, earlier released on LP, was made available on iTunes in 2006. The film has been shown on Turner Classic Movies.
