Her Highness and the Bellboy (1945)

Director: Richard Thorpe
Writers: Richard Connell, Gladys Lehman
Stars: Hedy Lamarr, Robert Walker, June Allyson

Every princess needs a Prince Charming. But lovely Princess Veronica didn't expect hers to be bellhop Jimmy Dobson. Hedy Lamarr is the princess, Robert Walker is the bellhop and June Allyson is a bedridden former dancer who secretly loves Jimmy in this frothy fairy tale set in prewar Manhattan's version of a palace: an elegant hotel complete with royal grounds (Central Park, of course). The fun begins when Jimmy mistakes Veronica for a new maid. She plays along, the two strike up a friendship and complications romantic and political ensue. The obvious screen chemistry between rising stars Walker and Allyson drew audiences again when they costarred later the same year in The Sailor Takes a Wife.

One of the best movies I've ever seen - and I've seen thousands. What I was expecting to be an empty but sweet chick flick turned into a really sweet story about appreciating the friends you have around you.

I have to say, this film has to have some of the best performances I've ever seen! Robert Walker is his usual adorable self, but I was greatly surprised and impressed by June Allyson's performance. This is my favorite of hers, as she is just so incredibly sincere and easy to love as Walker's invalid girlfriend, Leslie. Rags Ragland gives a brilliant performance as Albert, the slow, but loving friend.

Hedy Lamarr is of course, lovely, but she and Agnes Moorehead seemed to be totally overshadowed by Walker, Ragland, and Allyson who seem to steal the show right out from under them!

It's really a beautiful movie, that makes you think of who your friends really are.

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