Watch Painting the Clouds with Sunshine

In 1951, Warner Bros. Pictures released Painting the Clouds with Sunshine, a musical comedy film directed by David Butler and starring Dennis Morgan, Virginia Mayo, and Gene Nelson. The movie tells the story of three army buddies who, upon returning to civilian life, aspire to become successful and famous entertainers. The opening sequence of the movie features beautiful aerial shots of New York City, establishing a sense of grandeur and excitement that sets the tone for the rest of the film. We are introduced to the three main characters, Terry (Morgan), Johnny (Nelson), and Duke (David Wayne), as they exit the army base and embark on their journey to stardom. Terry is a smooth-talking ladies' man who dreams of becoming a nightclub owner. Johnny is a talented dancer who aspires to perform on Broadway. Duke is the more practical member of the trio, focused on making a successful career in business. The three friends have different personalities and goals, but they share a camaraderie and a determination to achieve their dreams. The plot of the film revolves around their efforts to break into the entertainment industry. They start by performing in small clubs and working odd jobs, but they soon catch the eye of a wealthy benefactor, Susie (Mayo). Susie is a beautiful and wealthy socialite who takes an interest in the boys and offers to help them achieve their dreams. She hires them to perform at her nightclub, but their success is short-lived when they are fired after a fight with a rival performer. Undeterred, the three friends continue to work hard and persevere. They meet a talented singer, Vivian (Lucille Norman), who becomes a love interest for Terry. Together, they write a hit song that propels them to stardom. However, their new fame and success threaten to tear them apart as they become consumed by their own egos and desires. The movie is filled with entertaining musical numbers, including the title song "Painting the Clouds with Sunshine," which features Gene Nelson tap-dancing on a giant piano. There are also romantic ballads like "Love Is Like a Song" and "The Aba Daba Honeymoon," which became a hit in its own right after the movie's release. One of the highlights of the movie is the performance of Virginia Mayo as Susie. She is charming and glamorous, the quintessential Hollywood leading lady of the era. Her chemistry with Dennis Morgan is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most memorable in the film. Overall, Painting the Clouds with Sunshine is a fun and upbeat movie that captures the spirit of the post-war era. It celebrates the American dream of success and fame, and the importance of friendship and perseverance in achieving those goals. With its catchy tunes, lively dance numbers, and talented cast, the film is a classic example of the Hollywood musical genre.