Poseidon-3 Review of Joy in the Morning

Joy in the Morning (1965)

Rather simply told love story that fans of the stars will adore.

[7 September 2005]

In between seasons of his wildly popular "Doctor Kildare" television series, Chamberlain was enlisted to film uplifting and romantic films such as this one. Here he plays a young, somewhat-well-to-do, law student who has fallen for a poor, but attractive and devoted girl (Mimieux.) Against their better judgement, they marry and return to his campus where they are met with skepticism from the dean (Blackmer) and outrage by his parents, who promptly cut off his funding. The couple struggles to make ends meet, all the while fighting their own insecurities regarding each other and the gossip-mongers of the small town who disapprove of Mimieux and a few of her acquaintances. Many touching, corny, amusing and melodramatic moments are woven through the story. Chamberlain fans are sure to be pleased by his youthful handsomeness (including a shirtless shower scene) and his generally appealing presence. Likewise, those who appreciate Mimieux's charms will be fully satisfied as she runs the gamut of emotions, while always displaying her significant physical attractiveness. Though the cast features several seasoned pros in supporting roles (who all do very fine jobs), this is primarily a two-character story, examining the roller-coaster relationship of these two lovers. Blackmer brings weight to his role of the dean, Kennedy is Chamberlain's controlling father and Gregg plays Mimieux's dignified, but poverty-stricken mother. Homolka and Tetzel (real-life spouses) play a wealthy man and his mistress who enter the young couple's lives. Probably the most awkward performance comes from Davis as gay florist. His role is tentatively written and he comes off rather oddly. Playing a role like this was often a career death-knell in the 60's and his career did indeed peter out soon after. One of the film's chief assets is a gorgeous score by the instantaneously recognizable Bernard Herrmann. It's reminiscent of "Vertigo", but not as dark. There is a title song that is beautifully rendered by a surprisingly able Chamberlain. Common at the time, but completely absent now, these baritone melodies that opened so many of the love stories of the 50's and 60's are always a treat to listen to. Period detail is marginal here. It's doubtful that any tenement inhabitant had hair like Mimieux, before or after she bobs it, and things look mighty bright and clean for it to be The Great Depression era. Perhaps black and white photography would have aided in this, though that would have robbed the viewer of some very attractive photography and settings, notably the couple's cottage in the woods. At times sentimental and at other times overwrought, it is nonetheless a charming and attractive film featuring two stars with the same qualities.