Vera Meets Donald in "It's A Lovely Day Today"

Vera-Ellen (as Princess Maria) meets Donald O'Connor (as Kenneth) for the first time and develops an attraction to him in the scene "It's A Lovely Day Today" from the 1953 20th Century Fox movie "Call Me Madam". ( Note: This video came from a DVD I bought - I do not own the copyright !!! )

[@danielpruna9884]

He was a quadruple threat. He could dance, Sing, act, and do comedy and was genius in doing them all.

[@trhansen3244]

One of the all time greats. Absolute genius.

[@jimbosan710]

Donald O'Connor was class. A great dancer, an excellent singer and a very, very good actor. Nobody like this in Hollywood.

[@carolynderricks3226]

Jimbo San True, not today!

[@Juliaflo]

@@carolynderricks3226 Copy that, and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@cass612t]

Jumbo San, Amen to that

[@jonbrown4298]

Agree!

[@WillScarlet16]

He was like Astaire, Kelly and Harpo Marx all in one.

[@alwaysblake148]

Donald O'Connor is magical in this--effortless class that is no where found today.

[@marinazuniga2418]

I concur, and it is a very sad fact. 😢

[@jimmartin7881]

He got screwed, he was every bit as good as Gene Kelly yet played second fiddle usually.

[@burcubingul4493]

Oh as much as I loved Gene Kelly, it was only because Donald made things look so easy he was overshadowed. Ah the classics, my heart melts.

[@burcubingul4493]

@@jimmartin7881 gotta pay the man his dues maybe he was a second fiddle but the Best second fiddle Who made a star shine all the more.

[@verasmith4767]

Donald was smooth, made it look so easy.

[@zzzut]

I love old musicals. They were totally unrealistic but they were pure entertainment with great music and delightful dance numbers.

[@jarrodbarkley9061]

Agreed!

[@lizaelliott6862]

Of all the male dancers, Donald o Connor no doubt had the best singing voice. A great actor too, very well rounded.

[@aneamarlivana172]

I think Gene Nelson had an equally good voice, but for some strange reason, his voice was dubbed in a couple of his films. He was also a very underrated dancer. O'Connor was a superb dancer too, one of my favorites.

[@TheAuntieBa]

AND warmth and good humor!

[@yana1955]

Actually, I thought Gene Kelly had the best singing voice of the top dancers.

[@jakeyell]

Fred Astaire didn't have the greatest voice, but NOBODY could phrase like him. That's what made him a great singer...

[@ukestudio3002]

Nicholas brothers for me ! ..had more swing ..listen to Gal in Kalamazoo . And check their dance routines !

[@mr_knat]

Vera-Ellen's outfit is all levels of fabulous.

[@deirdremacdougall8415]

Every time she looks amazing and we all want her wardrobe she looked lovely in everything ! Such a beauty !

[@stephenhockett7607]

Vera Ellen's

[@donrshawjr5002]

I agree. I'd have gladly have bought that outfit for my special someone in a second and then want to walk slowlly down El Paseo in Palm Desert just to be with her.

[@magicknight13]

I always think that when I watch this!!! All the pieces match the same shade of peach and the hair piece and the little adorable handbag are phenomenal!!!!

[@lollipopcandy8855]

But have you ever met her?

[@eleanorelizabethcarter4366]

Donald O'Connor Never got the credit he so richly deserved!

[@Palidor19]

“Anything else new from America?” “Yes, me” Super smooth, super suave

[@KateHarper23]

donald could melt any ladies heart he was such a heart throb

[@danw050]

I think, of all the greats of his day, vocally (Bing, Gene, Frank, Fred etc) ..and dancing for that matter... Donald O'Connor has the most super effortless voice and style of all of them. I've been a vocal pro all my life and these entertainers are from my parents' generation (I'm just 60).. but the fludity with which he carries a tune and the light, never over-stated crooned notes, and the absolute PERFECT pitch LONG before there were tools to help with pitch is just EXTRAORDINARY. Don't get me wrong.. Bing (Crosby), Gene (Kelly) , Frank (Sinatra), Fred (Astaire) are the tippy top of the top... but Donald O'Connor is SO under-rated and under-heralded and he can hang with the best of the best. Wonderful!

[@ginnylorenz5265]

Dear danw050, thanks for your analysis of Donald O'Connor's voice. It's always to interesting to hear an expert's opinion on an artist I admire. Best wishes to you.

[@damonwatlington6526]

He is Certainly 'Packed' with Real Talent, Class Act !

[@eowynsisterdaughter]

The way he sings sounds so relaxed and effortless, I love it.

[@lhenolquina3319]

Please tell me the title......... 😭😭

[@eowynsisterdaughter]

@@lhenolquina3319 It's all in the video description. The song is "it's a lovely day today"

[@lhenolquina3319]

Thank you 😍 i mean i ask coz im not sure if it is really the title since im not from America 😅 thanks again

[@danielpruna9884]

I love his dulcet tones.what a lovely voice. Perfect for the song.

[@Palidor19]

Sadly, Donald O’Conner would’ve been on the same level as Kelly or Astaire, but he became sick; smoked 4 packs a day. Truly sad

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Donald was elegant. He just glided across the floor with that spin move.

[@CaptainNavman]

Donald could act, dance and sing. WOW!

[@_Maxten]

and was handsome

[@MrDanamp]

OH, YES, he was a doll!

[@suzeaa]

So did Vera!

[@OctPSfever]

I have to say thar Donald is the best during 1920-50 tap dancers, musical era...He was so underrated in Hollywood that time...

[@penelopeandros5974]

What a great singer!! Many people didn't know that not only was he a great dancer, he was also a terrific singer. So underrated!! He does those tap numbers with Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain and he was every bit as great as Kelly. So underrated!! Sorry Don - you were one of the greats and I hate the fact that so many people didn't know.

[@DonyaLane]

O'Connor was sooooo charming! Very under-rated performer... triple threat!

[@seniorskateboarder5958]

I remember this scene from when i was a little boy. It may not be true to life, but i value its innocence and beauty. We who were raised in the 50s and 60s were truly blessed.

[@PolaOpposite]

A more likeable actor there's never been.

[@kiwihans100]

Wne I came to live in London in 1951, this song was aired on the radio every week! It was a lovely sunny summer and I used to wake up and burst into song "Its a lovely day today!" I really meant it! Life was so good for a ten year old!

[@matta.5363]

I'm completely baffled as to why Hollywood can't find ( or produce) talent like Donald O'Conner's today. There are millions of people in America. There must be someone...somewhere?

[@sophiesmom1074]

This song has been on my mind all day :-)

[@timothycreed3452]

This song is so unbelievably catchy! Irving Berlin was and still is the master.

[@potdog1000]

Vere Ellen muchly underrated, excellent dancer

[@mdt471]

Donald O'Connor may be the most under rated entertainer ever. He was a terrific dancer and singer, as good or better than most.

[@Palidor19]

O'Connor played the second fiddle to Kelly in signing in the rain. But Donald is second fiddle to no one, not even Gene Kelly

[@richardricka.remeikis268]

Well said. When I thought of Donald O'Connor (and this scene - which I specifically came looking for bcz they're using the song in a commercial)... my first thought was how underrated he was. But I do wonder if we have this perception because of the passage of time. Was he more "appreciated" in his time? One hopes. Such natural, easy charm - and a great voice.

[@KnockOffBeingFat]

If he was anywhere near underated shame on the deaf and blind people in Hollywood that didnt give him the attention he deserved! He was INCREDIBLE

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

Well, he was working at the same thing as Kelly and Astaire.

[@ThatBronxgirl7]

Thank GOD for DVDs and TCM where I can watch lovely movies like this over and over and over again!

[@johnlorenzen4633]

Amen.

[@brendacole5149]

Always a pleasure to see Donald O'Connor what a treasure

[@marilyn6556]

I love Vera Ellen!!! Such a wonderful dancer, actress, and singer. I watch White Christmas every year just to see her! I am always amazed by her tiny waist!😊

[@donmallett1]

As Grafter says, Donald O'Connor was very underrated. What a talent!

[@titasantiniE]

Cutie Donald O’Connor. Such a multi talented genius.

[@elissaschornstein9399]

Lovely Vera-Ellen. And the wonderful Donald O'Connor.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Both these stars had the bad luck to come to the fore just as musicals were running out of steam generically and veering towards pretension in the hands of Kelly, Agnes De Mille, Sondheim, Bernstein et al. The family audience was splintering, with moms, pops and young kids staying home to gawp at TV while the teens necked in drive-ins to Elvis. Musicals were so expensive if done on this scale that they could not recoup. It was long before films got multiple subsequent earning opportunities on TV, video, cable, disks, streaming etc. In 1953 it was big bang at the box office on first general release or nothing. 'Call Me Madam' grossed well, and Merman and O'Connor reunited next year in 'There's No Business Like Show Business'.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

I've love Donald O'Connor for decades. His dancing, his charm, his boyish good looks and his singing. BUT I've never before fully appreciated the truly beautiful quality of his voice . He simply has it all!!!!!! God bless his dear Soul.

[@chattyroz2934]

The whole film is just as delightful and is absolutely crammed full of terrific Irving Berlin songs. He was a wizard at writing tuneful songs that were almost like conversations and this is one of the best examples.

[@wildmntflower]

Could you please tell me the title? I haven't seen this one and would like to.

[@chattyroz2934]

@@wildmntflower This clip is from Call Me Madam.

[@billbernhard3582]

We have lost a lot in 60 years. Maybe it's time to find some of the good things again. Simply captivating !

[@_classicbest_5330]

He has everything! He can sing, he can dance, and he can act! Donald O'Connor is a triple threat!!!

[@ralphdubois1547]

_classicbest_ And he had the fine timing of a good comedian as well.

[@suzannejensen275]

@@ralphdubois1547 He did the very comical routine of the song and acrobatic routine that he did to the song "Make Em Laugh" from the movie "Singing in the Rain". They said that was such a physically demanding routine that he spent several days in bed after performing it only to be told it accidentally got erased and he had to do it all over again.

[@mtkishbaugh]

Singing, acting, dancing, comedy, and unbelievable CHARM. ❤

[@CoconutMigrationCommittee]

donald is the greatest actor, dancer, and singer ever.

[@chattyroz2934]

Donald O'Connor was wonderful, I simply love him but the greatest ever actor, dancer and singer was, in my opinion, Fred Astaire. However, they were both one of a kind.

[@reedygypandme]

A truly great great entertainer. This guy had it all.

[@blonde_ego]

in love with donald o'connor we need more men in the world like him

[@carlsnead665]

Kelsey Kirkman What film is this song from?

[@_classicbest_5330]

Carl Snead "Call Me Madam"

[@aregarcia7397]

Me too

[@misterwhitman4368]

I saw Donald O'Connor in The Coffee Shop at the Sportsmans Lodge in the Valley...not far from Universal Studios, way back about 1992.

[@douglassharpe55]

Kelsey Kirkman they are out there, but, NO MEDIA COVERAGE!!

[@TinthiaClemant]

Donald was so amazing. 🤩

[@michaeldawson6309]

What an elegant era. What class unlike today...

[@danacaro-herman3530]

@Michael Dawson. So unbelievably true!!!

[@irenekent4335]

What a star Donald was He was overlooked too much I will always remember him

[@boojay111]

what a wonderful talent Donald O'Connor was, a shame there is nothing like that these days. Slim, elegant, a treasure to watch. No need for alpha male garbage just class.

[@silky0439]

Donald O’Connor was always a class act. His smooth voice and effortless dancing in all of his movies made him a triple threat. He was such a handsome man with a beguiling smile. The fact that he was a ginger like me was just icing on the cake! We redheads always end up with the extremes. Either people expect 🔥 Flames or 🥹 meekness, no middle ground with us…SMH! Love us guys, we’re Awesome! Lol!

[@feralbluee]

Jeez - inever realized what a wonderful voice he has. his dancing and comic sense stand out so much - love just listening to him. 🌷 so does Vera Lynn. :). one of my favorite songs from when i was a kid. 🧚🏻‍♂️

[@ukestudio3002]

I miss this .. glad I grew up in this time. It wasn’t perfect but ..there was this !

[@truthbetoldagain.901]

The wonderful Fritz Feld ! The lovely Vera - Ellen. And as a youngster, I had the surprise pleasure one fine evening of meeting the great Donald O' Connor ! A fine gentleman, and a great movie star .

[@suzannejensen275]

I was also lucky to meet Donald O'Connor. My mother had taken me to a fundraiser and he was there to help boost donations. There was a whole room of women and I was the only child there. My mom told him I know how to tap dance and they asked me to come up I didn't want to at first but my mom made me. They introduced me to him and he was so nice. He asked me if I could probably follow a few steps if I did them and I told him I think I can and he showed me a few steps and then we did the dance together. Afterwards I was given an autographed picture of him. At the time I didn't think it was any big deal I was only 12 and didn't know what a big star he was all I knew is my mom had taken me to another one of the fundraisers she was always going to with all these ladies. I always hate it when people say who's Donald O'Connor and then they don't even know about the movie "Singing in the Rain" but they tell me they don't watch old movies and hate musicals. Then being young might have another big thing to do about it. Did you get pictures when you met him?

[@lhenolquina3319]

Σ>―(〃°ω°〃)♡→◌⑅⃝●♡⋆♡LOVE♡⋆♡●⑅◌

[@sammypus]

Simply delightful. I have played this many times and never tire of it. Vera-ellen is so beautiful with handsome Donald and the catchy tune can't help but cheer me up.

[@jackcampey787]

2.50 she picks up sheet music by Irving Berlin with his photo on the front. He wrote this very song and the songs in the film. A clever cameo by the film makers.

[@jackcampey787]

The title on the sheet music she picks up is "It's a Lovely Day Today"

[@pattigee1]

A lovely melody, two lovely dancers, nothing more to say.

[@MissCaraMint]

I NEED to see this movie.

[@chattyroz2934]

I think Call Me Madam is available on DVD. It's a very entertaining and amusing film full of lovely numbers.

[@maryspaabeck2074]

Everyone was so well dressed and I love Vera's hat!

[@heyitzheidi3746]

Good to know others care about these stars 😊

[@tammie1078]

Yes I agree

[@deirdremacdougall8415]

Amen to that 🙏

[@lauranull5946]

My mother used to sing this song to me when I was a little girl, but this is the first time I've seen it performed.

[@rck8981]

Oh Donald, how you make my heart swoon when you sing

[@mtkishbaugh]

Yes! Is it crazy that I'm crazy about this man? I only want to watch his films. I found "Call Me Madam" on KZbin a few months ago (and watched with my late mom multiple times), but it's gone. 😢

[@jcmorton8003]

I loved Vera i! She was so beautiful, and talented!

[@Annieooo1]

these two are a great pairing they are both so adorable in the movie

[@shelleywantiez7964]

This scene truly marks the exact time that the princess and Mr. Gibson had eyes for each other. It's also telling when he says the song is very "danceable". They later dance one of the most beautiful numbers to that very song. I wish he didn't get that disease from the mule. He was first choice for White Christmas. He would have been working with the lovely Vera Ellen again, and Bing Crosby. And he looked exceptionally handsome in those glasses.

[@mtkishbaugh]

Yes!

[@shelleywantiez7964]

​@@mtkishbaugh Another subscriber did a video montage of them in this movie. Its the perfect song about their journey and falling in love. I'm a bit sappy, but I love this stuff. I'll dig it up and send your way.

[@mtkishbaugh]

@@shelleywantiez7964 That would be wonderful! My mom always s liked Mr. O, but I never understood why until shortly before her death on Christmas Day. We watched Call Me Madam together, and I promptly fell in love with him. Now I seem to be obsessed with his early work. I confess that it broke my heart to discover what he went through with his first wife and his struggle with alcohol. My dad was born two years before "The O'Connor." Neither of these amazing men had any idea when they started smoking of the harm that would come to them from it. There are so many if-onlys. 💔

[@113dmg9]

Donald was so extremely talented!!!

[@Dd-xt8hc]

He had such a wonderful voice need his records

[@113dmg9]

@@Dd-xt8hc - This was really enjoyable to watch again. Thanks for commenting to bring me back to this clip.

[@nuderobot4998]

One of my very very favorite old musicals!

[@philipbreen3712]

I love the effortless virtuosity of Dinald O' Connor.One if the greats!

[@jackiemcmeekin6551]

Donald O’Conner was a great dancer. I love “It’s a Lovely Day Today”. A feel good song.

[@David-sv7by]

Donald is magnificent and both are dressed so impecably.....Vera like an apricot flan.........beautiful.

[@mtkishbaugh]

I was thinking "peaches and cream."

[@joycebriault7498]

Just love these old movies

[@JohnnyGNV]

They matched Vera-Ellen's speaking voice very well with Carole Richards ~

[@tomkent4656]

Donald O'Connor is very underrated, but he is up there with Gene Kelly!

[@deborahinrig4538]

Better

[@shelleywantiez7964]

@@deborahinrig4538 I completely agree, definitely better

[@dewchamp5716]

Like many commenters here I'm gonna say how much I love Donald O'Connor, and I only recently became a fan! I also think I'm gonna start learning all of these songs by heart. I love singing and Donald is VERY inspiring to me.

[@mtkishbaugh]

Same here. My memories of Donald O'Connor were from things like Love Boat. He's the most talented, charming, and adorable actor/dancer/singer I've ever seen.

[@grafter8337]

Donald O'Connor is much underrated. Watch his dance numbers with Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain". and his solo number "A Man chases a Girl" in "There's no business like show business". You might also compare Berlin's lyrics with a similar number he wrote, performed by Fred Astaire, "Isn't it a lovely day".

[@mialevi1341]

grafter and he also has a better voice than Gene Kelly... Just listen to him sing "Singing in the rain" and you'll see it. And don't get mad this just my opinion

[@tuxtommy69]

Absolutely! His dance number with the balloons, later in this movie, is sensational!

[@georgemartin4963]

Gene Kelly considered him his equal.

[@japagowtrio8008]

Quality and style.

[@opelske]

Absolutely agree!

[@DanJoy07]

This scene is really special. The development of the characters through the song is so sweet, serene and yet provocative. How does it play out? Sublime!!

[@alisinc0001]

Such feel good clip, fantastic singing by both, I wish films like this were still made.

[@lhenolquina3319]

Pleasseee tell me titlee im begging i wanna watch it ♪ ♬ ヾ(´︶`♡)ﾉ ♬ ♪

[@UserName-sj8fg]

He can really sing!

[@elenorcollins6725]

OMG for heaven shake, im so obsessed with this tone than the original version of it! Donald O'conner, u sure was a cute company!

[@lauralabargaagudo2954]

What a wonderfull song, and Donald sings it marvellous.He really has a magic and sweet voice. I love him❤ in fact, for everything he did.

[@m.layfette6249]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Vera in White Christmas. It's one of my favorite movies. I watch it on repeat All Holiday long. And course I have Holiday Inn. Can't have one without the other. Vera was an amazing dancer. It's breaks my heart 💔 how tragic her life turned out to be. Rest In Peace Fair Lady. 💜

[@WilldoAldone]

And what a tiny waist she had

[@shelleywantiez7964]

If Donald O'Connor hadn't gotten ill, he would have lit up the screen again with Vera in this movie. Danny Kaye was the next choice. I would have loved seeing Donald and Vera again. Definitely a chemistry there, and both impeccable dancers.

[@kkormanik]

Such magic between Vera and Donald, excellent chemistry and they do such excellent performances.

[@clarissejones9353]

This my first time seeing and hearing. I wish we could see the whole movie. It is so sad we don't get to see some of these old movies that has so much good clean quality entertainment

[@tuxtommy69]

It's available on DVD from Amazon!

[@ismailveli3631]

As Tom said it's available on Amazon. I bought the film titled ''Call me Madam'' from Ebay and I simply watch it over and over. It's a great nostalgic film full of great song and dance numbers.

[@donrshawjr5002]

"

[@shaunnacampbell1812]

Actually I found the whole movie here: ok.ru/video/536562633360

[@dontheshark]

The Movie is titled "Call Me Madam". It was a Broadway Show.

[@davemansfield1404]

First saw/heard this whilst convalescing from a nervous breakdown in 2019/20... to retouch after a most distressing year is wonderful... even the light is beaming through my kitchen office/window xx

[@xspIoit]

5:34 That desk lady in black adoring O’Connor is a great touch. 😂

[@lesevesel2898]

That's one badass song. Seriously. Thanks for the clip!

[@CoconutMigrationCommittee]

donald looks great in glasses

[@orlandocordova8818]

I'VE ALWAYS LOVED THIS SONG AND SCENE. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES OF MY YOUTH! 🙂!

[@ladysensei1487]

Both very talented performers. Vera is always sensational. It's said she was the most disciplined and professional dancer in Hollywood.

[@kellyf.3892]

I cannot get this wonderful music out of my mind and it has been weeks since I first experienced this video.

[@jaimecaceres1621]

What a beautiful performance.

[@marinazuniga2418]

Smooth motherf-HE SWEPT ME OFF OF MY FEET AND I WASN'T EVEN THE ONE HE'S SINGING TO.

[@jakeyell]

Jeepers, he was talented...

[@verasmith4767]

Donald was smooth.

[@cynthiacook1646]

I got to see him live on stage as Captain Andy in "Show Boat" in the early 1980's, what a great performance.

[@BovineDesigns]

Even when put at a disadvantage Dpnald's character picks up the ball and keeps it moving

[@HighTen_Melanie]

This song is pure sunshine ☀️

[@user-to8qf1tg2b]

Love Love Love!

[@vladimirzhuravlev5309]

Today I first learned about this film when I accidentally heard a fragment of a song from it, and it seems I know what I will watch tonight.

[@marcoandres8830]

Did you watch it?

[@roslyndecanio81]

I love Vera-Ellen's attire!

[@andyhowlett2231]

It makes you go all 'aahh'. These lovely old films are just wonderful.

[@bloodgrss]

He had such a fine singing voice-so much better than Gene Kelly's, wonderful dancer as he was...

[@lovesmusic36]

Absolutely correct! His voice was amazing and he could certainly hold his own in the dancing department next to Gene Kelly. I've watched this clip so often and love it more each time! How sad that we don't have these movies and performers anymore, not to mention the fabulous songs of Irving Berlin.

[@bloodgrss]

lovesmusic36 We actually do have the talents-if anything even more athletic than Kelly. What we do not have are the hoofer tradition O'Conner grew up in with, as you say, that kind of melodic music-even a Broadway show these days is lucky to produce just one good melody. But they have different qualities that contemporary audiences can love-and we always have these unique shows and old videos to enjoy forever...

[@lovesmusic36]

bloodgrss I suppose that's true although at my age, it's difficult for me to drag myself out of the past. I think if Donald O'C sang this song to me, someone would either have to pick me up from the floor or scrape me off the ceiling! As for athletic dance, Donald's "Make 'Em Laugh" from "Singin in the Rain" definitely ranks up there.

[@bloodgrss]

lovesmusic36 :-))

[@lovesmusic36]

bloodgrss Bottom line...We both have excellent taste!!

[@deirdremacdougall8415]

Omg I love this totally one of favorites ! Could he be any more cute ? And she is so beautiful and they are great together ! Thanks again for another great share I love this song ! It's PM here in Boston but Have a Lovely Day everyone ! 💞💃

[@bixsingsthemusicoflife2047]

Love both of these wonderful performers.

[@1969336]

I watched and cried.😥👍👍💋💋💋💋

[@jennaclay4039]

I love how they put Irving Berlin's face on the music haha that's so funny I never noticed that before now lol

[@YouzTube99]

@Jenna Clay: Berlin may have insisted on it.

[@faycraig7248]

He was underated great dancer singer actor

[@kellyf.3892]

I just enjoy this so much. Thanks to all.