My Favourite Debbie Reynolds Movies

Happy 89th Birthday Debbie Reynolds!


Debbie's movies, especially those mid- to late-'50s movies, are just the right fit for my tastes, and I've loved exploring her films over the past few years. So, in honour of what would have been her 89th birthday, here are my five favourite Debbie Reynolds movies. Let's dive in!

Tammy and the Bachelor (1957)


The quintessential backwoods gal was brought to life by Debbie Reynolds in Tammy and the Bachelor. It's a very simple story: she's never been in a society before so she's adapting with (total hunk) Leslie Nielsen as her guide, but it's fun and the mid-century knick knacks in the background make me want to build a time machine and move into the Brent mansion and befriend Aunt Renie. I wouldn't say no to Pete's Plymouth or Ernie's pink Chrysler, either. 

Athena (1954)


I love goofy musicals with fun premises, like Athena, which is all about Jane Powell (Athena) and her six sisters, including Debbie as Minerva, who are a bunch of green, hippie, astrology-loving, numerology-swearing-by gals living with their grandparents who train men for Mr. Universe competitions. 

I swear, I'm not making any of that up. It's fun, the songs are catchy...I love it. 

Bundle of Joy (1956)


An updated mid-century version of Bachelor Mother starring Debbie and her real-life husband Eddie Fisher. I don't think many can fit into Ginger Rogers's shoes, but Debbie more than holds her own as the shopgirl who finds herself mother to a baby that isn't hers. 

The Mating Game (1959)


Debbie excelled at playing the backwoods beauty who shows the city boy why a simpler life and slower pace are better, and in The Mating Game with Tony Randall, I just love how she shows him up at every turn while he's trying to get the family to file their first-ever tax return. 

I Love Melvin (1954)

via tumblr, source unknown

Dare I say it? I liked this more than Singin' in the Rain... 

The premise is so adorable: Donald O'Connor plays a photographer's assistant who falls in love with Debbie Reynolds's aspiring actress. He tricks her into a photoshoot and then strings her along by promising her the cover of Look magazine. The only problem? He doesn't make the decisions! It's so charming; it's not as prestigious as Singin' in the Rain, but you'll (hopefully) find it cute!

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What are your favourite Debbie Reynolds movies? 

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