Presenting Lily Mars! (Review of a Classic)- Veda Rains

I have to admit, I think I missed the first 10-15 minutes of this movie, but perhaps the fact that it caught my eye whilst channel surfing late one night, is just a testament to how enjoyable and addicting this classic film is. You may have heard this story a time or two: a talented small-town girl (in this case, from Indiana) forges her way to New York to be a star! Her name is Lily and before she makes the leap to New York, she tries to take advantage of a hometown hero: Broadway producer John Thornway, hounding him to let her have a roll in one of his productions. She tries to base this on the fact that his father brought her into the world and her mother knows his mother. Lily is spunky, bright, funny, and full of life. She's not afraid to crash a party and steal the show (or put the moves on Thornway, for that matter)... but Thornway is the exact opposite: prickly and unamused with Lily's spirit and lack of acting ability-or so he tries to make it appear...
As the story progresses and Lily works her way up to a single-line roll, Thornway becomes attracted to her. And while they may fall in love way too quickly-the film's greatest, but somewhat forgivable, fault (as the actors share great chemistry), it is clear from the start that they were meant for each other.
I found this movie refreshing and timeless. I can't believe I hadn't seen it before! I think its plot has a realistic twist, too: Thornway's star and sometime girlfriend, leaves the show, Lily rises to the occasion and steps in to star, but falls short of Thornway's perfectionistic view of how the show is to be performed. He goes back to the star and asks her to come back. She does, and nothing romantic happened, but Lily is crushed. I think if Lily had gone on to star in the production, the movie would have lost some of its charm and credibility.
The fact that Lily chooses to return to play the roll of a barmaid with a single line shows her growth and maturity. She knows it's going to take time to get where she wants to go, and she's just fine with that. Please check this movie out if you're a dreamer or are in need of a classic musical!

P.S. Lily's family was a fantastic and quirky part of the film! I think many families can relate to their enthusiasm and pride when Lily takes to the stage-even if for a brief minute.