On Moonlight Bay
Seen it?1951 | 95 min | Comedy, Romance, Music
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- If you count yourself among people who love a story where everyone knows everyone and anyone who likes a story with a soundtrack worth keeping, this one's for you. The small-town setting is half the character. Same wavelength as The Music Man or How to Marry a Millionaire. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Zips along, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1951: an older pace and style.
- Skip it if you're after something serious tonight.
The Winfield family moves into a new house in a small town in Indiana. Tomboy Marjorie Winfield begins a romance with William Sherman who lives across the street. Marjorie has to learn how to dance and act like a proper young lady. Unfortunately William Sherman has unconventional ideas for the time. His ideas include not believing in marriage or money, which causes friction with Marjorie's father, who is the local bank vice president
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
87% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$4 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 20K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
White Christmas Sunday Safe BetAlso stars Mary Wickes, in another musical romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Music Man
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed musical comedy.
How to Marry a Millionaire
Saturday SpecialAnother musical romantic comedy that's easy to miss.
Forrest Gump Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved war romantic comedy.
Chocolat Saturday SpecialAnother small-town romantic comedy, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Roy Del Ruth
- Doris DayMarjorie 'Marjie' Winfield
- Gordon MacRaeWilliam 'Bill' Sherman
- Jack SmithHubert Wakely
- Leon AmesGeorge Winfield
- Rosemary DeCampAlice Winfield
- Mary WickesStella
- Ellen CorbyMiss Mary Stevens
- Billy GrayWesley Winfield
- Henry EastDoughboy by Train
- Jeffrey StevensJim Sherman