Doris Day only made 39 movies, but she co-starred with almost all the top leading men from the late 1940s through the early 1970s. The list includes Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, James Cagney, Clark Gable, Rock Hudson and James Stewart. The list of movies is as diverse as the co-stars, from drama to musical comedy. Following are some of the very best Doris Day’s movies.
Pillow Talk
Most people think of the Doris Day character from the movie Pillow Talk. An example of the character that gave Day the nickname “World’s Oldest Virgin,” Day played a businesswoman who’s all business, until Rock Hudson finally wins her over.
Calamity Jane
This Western featured Doris at her singing and dancing best, even earning an Academy Award nomination for the song, Secret Love. She was in love with Wild Bill Hickock, but wouldn’t admit it…at least not until they sang a couple of duets together.
Please Don’t Eat the Daisies
Doris played a housewife with four children (and a big dog) married to a top New York theater critic in this film (played by David Niven). It was a contrast to her independent businesswoman roles, and was actually closer to a role Doris wanted to play in real life.
The Man Who Knew Too Much
In addition to co-starring with the top actors, Doris was in demand by top directors, too. This was a film Alfred Hitchcock directed. Doris played a famous singer, and she and screen husband James Stewart got involved in an international mystery, with kidnapping, murder and intrigue. It also featured Doris singing her big hit, Que Sera.
The Winning Team
In another role as the loyal wife, Doris played the wife of Grover Cleveland Alexander, a legendary baseball player. Her co-star in this film ended up leaving films for another job – President of the United States. His name was Ronald Reagan.
That Touch of Mink
Even Doris (still a movie virgin in her 40s) couldn’t resist being wined and dined by Clark Gable. He introduced her to high society and luxury, and the romance scenes are very funny. Today, Doris says she regrets doing this film because, as an animal welfare advocate, she hates that she wore and glamorized mink coats.
Move Over Darling
James Garner was Doris’ co-star in this romantic comedy. The movie was supposed to star Marilyn Monroe, but the star died during production. So, the film company changed the name (and the cast), and Doris played the role of a mother lost and stranded for years on an island with a handsome stranger (Chuck Connors) who suddenly re-appears right before her husband is getting remarried.
Love Me Or Leave Me
This was Doris’ most-dramatic role, playing singer Ruth Etting opposite James Cagney. She was able to highlight her singing, but audiences were surprised to see Cagney abusing, insulting and even hitting Doris. Actors usually wanted to kiss Doris, not hit her. She won critical acclaim for the role.
Teacher’s Pet
Doris Day taught night school journalism, and Clark Gable played the grizzled newspaperman who wanted to show she didn’t know anything about his kind of journalism. He softens when he meets her, and pretends to be a student. It’s charming and romantic, until the truth comes out, and then Doris’ dramatic talents show again.
The Pajama Game
Another film combining Doris’ singing, dancing and acting, Doris works in a pajama factory. Co-starring with John Raitt, memorable songs include the duet, There Once Was a Man, Raitt’s memorable Hey There and Hernando’s Hideaway.
