All of Debbie Reynolds's Movies
I've watched all of Debbie Reynolds's old Hollywood movies!
My cut off was What's the Matter with Helen? from 1971; so there are still her '80s, '90s and '00s films to watch, but I'm less interested in those as I am her mid-century fare, so let's dive in with my thoughts on all of Debbie Reynolds's old movies!
The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady (1950)
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This is a fun debut, but it's not Debbie's movie. Still, it's quite enjoyable overall.
Three Little Words (1950)
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Blink and you'll miss her, but Debbie's in this one playing Helen Kane (though her singing is dubbed by Helen Kane herself, go figure).
Two Weeks With Love (1950)
A fun turn-of-the-century musical set over a summer vacation and starring two of my favourites from the era: Debbie Reynolds and Jane Powell. It's light and fun and the songs are catchy, but for my money, there are better Debbie Reynolds movies out there.
Mr. Imperium (1951)
(I honestly forgot that she was in this movie, so maybe watch it for Lana Turner and not Debbie...)
Singin' In the Rain (1952)
Of course this one is a classic, and no movie watcher worth their salt is going to skip it!
I Love Melvin (1953)
This movie is very cute and if you don't come out of it with a crush on Donald O'Connor then I don't know what to tell ya.
The Affairs of Dobie Gillis (1953)
Not my favourite, but the best are yet to come!
Give a Girl a Break (1953)
This movie is just so joyful and bright and features stellar performances by not only Debbie, but also Marge and Gower Champion and Bob Fosse, too!
Susan Slept Here (1954)
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This movie is just so questionable and Dick Powell's in it, but the mid-century apartment is one of my favourite sets from an old movie.
Athena (1954)
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This is kooky but so fun. I remember watching it one night during the early days of the pandemic and just being absolutely charmed by how fanciful it was. It was just what I needed at that point in time and I adore it.
Hit the Deck (1955)
Debbie, Jane Powell and Ann Miller? Sign me up! This is a fun New York City musical with excellent song and dance numbers.
The Tender Trap (1955)
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The premise of this is fun, and the title tune is catchy. All in all, with Debbie, Frank Sinatra, and Celeste Holm, you can't go wrong!
The Catered Affair (1956)
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This is such a tender drama about a poor family who wants to give their daughter a grand wedding and the emotions from everyone affected by the nuptials; and it's so sweet. Debbie's perfect. Bette Davis is perfect. Ernest Borgnine is perfect. Rod Taylor is perfect.
Bundle of Joy (1956)
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This is a mid-century remake of Bachelor Mother, the 1939 success that starred Ginger Rogers, but don't let that put you off. Even though I'd definitely choose Bachelor Mother over Bundle of Joy, there's still so much joy in this. The sets, the bright colours, the songs, the delight that Debbie's having, the juiciness of watching her and Eddie Fisher (before it all went south) acting together...
Tammy and the Bachelor (1957)
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This is one of my absolute favourite movies, period, and it showcases Debbie at her finest: earnest, sweet, steely, a great tune (Tammy), a dashing love interest, comedy, drama... go watch this!
This Happy Feeling (1958)
I remember thinking 'this is a long way to get the two young leads together' and I stand by that assessment with the benefit of hindsight.
The Mating Game (1959)
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I'll go to my grave saying that The Mating Game is an absolute riot (in its own way) and it's entirely due to Debbie Reynolds and Tony Randall. They play so well off of each other.
Say One For Me (1959)
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I didn't enjoy this one at all, I'm sad to say, because it seems like it'd be so much fun based on the logline.
It Started With a Kiss (1959)
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All this trouble for Glenn Ford and Debbie Reynolds over a car... This one's fun, I'd definitely recommend this one.
The Gazebo (1959)
Whodunnit? You'll find out!
The Rat Race (1960)
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I loved this movie and I'm forever kicking myself that I deleted it from my DVR instead of saving it because this has stuck with me ever since that 2020 watch and I've never seen it on my TV schedule (or any online shop) ever again. Debbie and Tony Curtis both play down-on-their-luck New Yorkers who have to share an apartment and although it's soapy in places, it's so beautifully acted by both of them.
The Pleasure of His Company (1961)
A pretty well-rounded, well-acted movie for one you never hear about. It's got Debbie and Fred Astaire, Lili Palmer and Tab Hunter. And she plays a character named Jessica, so I was halfway sold before the movie ever began.
The Second Time Around (1961)
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Thank God for Debbie's natural charisma because this ain't it...
How the West Was Won (1962)
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This one is a snooze, by my estimation, but if you're a completist, watch in and marvel at that gorgeous costume.
My Six Loves (1963)
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A successful yet burnt out Broadway star goes to her country home and finds six squatting children living near her property and a very handsome preacher who helps care for them and next thing you know, she's the mother to six kids and a minister's wife! Not my favourite but pretty wholesome.
Mary, Mary (1963)
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This is apparently a movie I watched but that I, in no way, recall. So do with that glowing recommendation what you will.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964)
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See all that scenery? No, you don't, because Debbie chewed it all. She was nominated for an Oscar for this movie and although I think Julie Andrews deserved her win, I can't help but imagine the chaos of a Debbie Reynolds Oscar speech.
Goodbye Charlie (1964)
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This entire movie is made for me on the premise that Debbie Reynolds is playing a gangster who's come back to life in the body of a young woman and Tony Curtis has to deal with all that.
The Singing Nun (1966)
This is, indeed, a movie about the singing nun who wrote the French novelty song 'Dominique.'
Divorce American Style (1967)
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Stylish and adult and Debbie proving she's still got it, nearly 20 years on from her screen debut. This is another tender dramedy that includes a funny hypnosis scene towards the end.
How Sweet It Is! (1968)
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A married couple decide to take a cruise with their hippie son so they can go to Paris, and if you couldn't tell by the gif, there are shenanigans aplenty.
What's the Matter With Helen? (1971)
I made the mistake of watching this very late at night and it's the kind of creepy camp that ensures you're probably not going to sleep that night. Watch it for the camp of Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters.
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What's your favourite Debbie Reynolds movie? Let me know in the comments!
What a great post! And what an accomplishment to have seen all of Debbie's movies. My favorite is Singin' in the Rain, but it's followed very closely by The Catered Affair. I was surprised to see how few of her films I've actually seen! I need to do better!
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