Watch I Love Melvin

I Love Melvin (1953) is a delightful musical comedy that tells the story of Melvin Hoover (Donald O'Connor), a talented and ambitious young man who dreams of being a famous photographer. Melvin works as a delivery boy for a major newspaper, and he spends his free time taking pictures of everything and everyone he sees. He even takes pictures of his favorite dancer, Judy LeRoy (Debbie Reynolds), whom he secretly loves.

Judy, however, has no interest in Melvin. She's too busy trying to land a job on Broadway, and she's skeptical of Melvin's advances. But things start to change when Melvin convinces Judy's boss to let him take some publicity photos of her. Melvin's over-the-top enthusiasm wins Judy over, and the two of them soon become friends. However, they both try to keep their feelings hidden, as each fears the other doesn't feel the same way.

As Melvin's career takes off, he becomes increasingly obsessed with being successful. He starts to manipulate Judy, trying to create photo opportunities that will make her famous. But Judy sees through his schemes and is hurt by his selfish behavior. Meanwhile, Melvin's boss (Una Merkel) is pressuring him to get a big scoop to save the newspaper from bankruptcy. Melvin decides that taking a photo of the president visiting the city will be his big break, and he sets out to make it happen.

This leads to a series of mishaps, mistaken identities, and hilarious slapstick comedy. Through it all, Melvin learns the importance of honesty, hard work, and genuine relationships. He realizes that the people he loves are more important than his ambition, and he finds a way to balance his passion for photography with his desire for personal connections. Ultimately, Melvin and Judy discover that their feelings for each other are real, and they find a way to be together despite the obstacles.

I Love Melvin is a charming throwback to the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Donald O'Connor brings his famous energy and athleticism to the role of Melvin, and Debbie Reynolds is a perfect match as the smart, spunky Judy. The movie features some of the most memorable musical numbers of the era, including the show-stopping "I Wanna Wander" and the sweetly romantic "Where Did You Learn To Dance?" The choreography by Robert Alton is whimsical and joyous, and the Technicolor cinematography captures the bright, bold colors of the fifties perfectly.

But what really sets I Love Melvin apart is its heartfelt message about the power of hard work, honesty, and love. Melvin starts out as a self-absorbed dreamer, but he learns to value the people around him and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. Judy, meanwhile, is a strong-willed woman who refuses to settle for less than what she deserves. Together, they learn to trust each other and to overcome their differences to find happiness.

Despite being more than 60 years old, I Love Melvin still feels fresh and charming today. It's a testament to the enduring power of classic Hollywood musicals and a joy to watch from start to finish.

I Love Melvin is a 1953 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.