Product Description

Well-to-do debutante Penny Craig (Deanna Durbin) won't take no for an answer! An overly amorous pilot (Joseph Cotten) gets a classic case of cold feet when Penny falls for his charms but he's suddenly called up for military service overseas. Durbin and Cotten's sweetly sublime romantic jostling is enlivened by the leading lady's delightful musical numbers. Evelyn Ankers, Charles Winninger also star. 94 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80829 in DVD
• Formats: NTSC, Black & White, Full Screen
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 94 minutes

Customer Reviews

Charming Wartime Romance
"You can see anything you want to see if you close your eyes." -- Deanna Durbin



This charming wartime romance was Deanna Durbin's third turn as the youngest member of the three Craig daughters, Penny. While it doesn't quite have the energy of "Three Smart Girls" or "Three Smart Girls Grow Up," and there are only references to Penny's sisters during home movies, the appeal of Cotten and Durbin make this one of Deanna's most underrated films.

Penny's all grown up in this one and the only sister who has yet to find love and fly the coup. She is still the apple of her dad's eye, however, once again portrayed in winning fashion by Charles Winninger. It's all the talk of the society pages when Penny donates blood during wartime at a Red Cross hospital. That's where she meets flyboy Bill Morley (Joseph Cotten) who poses as a doctor to get her phone number and address.

When Penny discovers the ruse she and Bill parry and thrust at her big party until he kisses her and she gets that "forever and ever look" in her eyes. Pretty Evelyn Ankers knows the score with Bill but her Flo can't hold a candle to Penny Craig on a mission when the flyboy with no strings attached bolts.

Penny joins the war effort building planes so Bill can fly them once he's shipped out. When he finally caves in the couple make the most of his last 48 hours, having fun and falling in love ever deeper. There is a light and charming feel to their courtship, a scene on a romantic moonlit beach especially memorable for Durbin's fans, as she's never been lovelier.

Bill's pal Rosy Blake will come to Penny's rescue with a note in a sandwich that becomes a funny scene when he can't remember which one he put it in. There is a nice wartime atmosphere in Lewis Foster's screenplay which contrasts the building of B-17's right across the street from where Bill and Penny dance at a nightclub.

But the mood is kept light and romantic by director Frank Ryan. Those who love Deanna's voice won't be disappointed as she gets to sing at a party and for the plant workers. She looks terrific dressed by Adrian and renders a most beguiling version of Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine." A scene where she tries to dance with Bill in an old-style party dress will bring a few smiles as well.

Cotten recalls Durbin fondly in his bio and put old Hollywood gossip to rest. The two were very nice together and it's a shame there wasn't an opportunity for them to make another film. The print is excellent in this limited release version Durbin fans will jump on since it hasn't had a formal studio release in a region one format. A must own for Deanna's fans!

A Rare Dramatic Role For Durbin
Deanna Durbin is known for her beautiful voice in a series of romantic comedies from the 1930's and 1940's. Typecast by Universal as their answer to Judy Garland, she was forbidden a role with mature emotions until "Hers To Hold." This was the third go-around for her as Penny Craig -- the first time made her a star and earned "Three Smart Girls" a Best Picture nomination. What is refreshing is that this World War 2 film does not have a happy romantic ending but a realistic ending. Joseph Cotten is so superb as the flyboy with committment issues that rumors flew that they had an affair. The movie is enjoyable, the singing is excellent and it takes one back to a time that has long past.

Hers to hold, should be yours to own.... another good film..
This is a film, loosely the 3rd one in the 3 smart girls series. You get
to see your favorite characters that you loved and also provided with
a good movie. Set during the war, we have a chance to see our men and women
working at a B17 assembly plant. Should give the viewers a chance to see these
great scenes and get to feel what they had to go through in the 40's.
Deanna is all grown up, sisters are gone but she is still unmarried. Good
little script, great signing....what else do you want.

Note: These movies are not just for Grandma and Grampa,,,they are unique, they
show off some great signing by our past artists...and you never get to
see movies like this anymore....does our youth have the patience for
movies without special effects....

Loved it at 13 years old.....still loving it now at 52 years old.