Watch By the Light of the Silvery Moon

By the Light of the Silvery Moon is a 1953 musical romantic comedy film that stars Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, and Leon Ames. Directed by David Butler, the screenplay was written by Butler and James O'Hanlon. It is a sequel to 1951's On Moonlight Bay and it follows the same characters two years later during the World War I era. The film's title refers to the song "By the Light of the Silvery Moon," which was written by Gus Edwards and Edward Madden.

The film's story revolves around Marjorie Winfield (Doris Day) and William Sherman (Gordon MacRae). They met and fell in love in the first movie, On Moonlight Bay. Now they are two years older, but their relationship is still strong, despite a few minor setbacks. At the beginning of the film, William returns home after serving in World War I, and like many soldiers, he is struggling to adjust to civilian life. He has changed, and his gruff exterior is in stark contrast to the gentle man Marjorie fell in love with.

The main plot of the film is about the obstacles Marjorie and William face in their relationship. Marjorie wants to respect William's independence, but she also wants to make a life with him. William does not want to be tied down, but he also does not want to lose Marjorie. The film is filled with comedic miscommunications, misunderstandings, and obstacles, such as Marjorie's disapproving father, Judge Winfield (Leon Ames), and William's boisterous and demanding sister, Stella (Mary Wickes), who disrupts the couple's plans at every turn.

One of the film's highlights is the music. By the Light of the Silvery Moon features a dazzling score of old-fashioned romantic songs, including the title song, "Ain't We Got Fun," "Your Eyes Have Told Me So," "I Love the Way You Say Goodnight," and "Be My Little Baby Bumble Bee." The music of the film has a timeless quality that captures the romantic and nostalgic spirit of the era.

The film's performances are also noteworthy. Doris Day's singing is delightful, and her performance as Marjorie is charming and nuanced. Gordon MacRae's voice is perfect for the romantic ballads, and he brings a depth to his portrayal of William that makes his character's struggles relatable. And Leon Ames is great as Judge Winfield, who slowly comes to appreciate William's courage and integrity.

One of the film's most memorable scenes is the Fourth of July celebration, which showcases the film's impressive production values. The scene features a parade, fireworks, and a big band playing on stage. The film's vibrant colors, beautiful costumes, and lively atmosphere capture the festive spirit of the era, and it's easy to get swept up in the excitement.

While By the Light of the Silvery Moon is not a groundbreaking film, it is a delightful and entertaining slice of classic Hollywood that captures the innocence and charm of the post-war era. The film's mix of comedy, romance, and music is perfect for a relaxing night in, and it's easy to see why it has become a beloved classic. Whether you're a fan of Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, or just classic Hollywood musicals in general, By the Light of the Silvery Moon is sure to put a smile on your face.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon is a 1953 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.