Doris Day:
Sentimental Journey
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This site's review rating:

Despite the fact author, Garry McGee admits Doris Day may not be his favourite actress or singer but one of his favourite entertainers confirms Doris has made a general impression far beyond her movie stardom and hit records. This well-written book is a must for all Day fans and the fact it derives from a well-balanced point-of-view rather than a fawning fan worship base is good news. There have, of course, been several books about Doris including the notable 1975 autobiography written in collaboration with A.E.Hotchner which finally expelled the girl-next door image Hollywood conveniently affixed to the Day personality during her popular movie career. In fact we all know her life has been far from sunny but Doris had the disposition to deal with the many problems thrust upon her has always enabled her to move on - something she is currently doing following the death of son Terry last November, which the book’s updated preface alludes to.

Divided into four sections the 368 page biography succinctly covers all the main factors concerning Doris’ often rocky personal life and extensive professional career. There’s also mention of her passionate involvement with both the Doris Day Animal League and Doris Day Animal Foundation and animal rights issues generally which was recognized last year when President Bush awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Doris’ career as a big-band singer brought tribulations of constant touring and increased a phobia with regard to singing “live” and was something she later avoided. In any case, once launched as a solo recording star, she found passing refuge in radio work until her blossoming film career evolved into popular star status and resulting full-time Hollywood movie commitment for twenty years. Signed without prior knowledge to a sitcom television series, her initial shock and reluctance was changed to determination to make the best of the situation and she succeeded accordingly. The remaining sections cover these career moves to present accurately researched and clearly displayed reference areas with main emphasis on US listings, reviews and reactions although her popularity in the UK record charts is included:

(a) Films – overview/listing of each movie with credits, synopsis and review extracts/popularity awards/box office statistics/films offered but turned down (i.e. THE GRADUATE)

(b) Recordings – overview/albums with extracts from sleeve notes/singles listings/released and unreleased songs/music awards/chart listings/radio shows etc.

(c) Television – overview/television series’ and “Specials” with synopsis, reviews and reactions/appearances on chat shows etc./documentaries/TV shows offered but turned down (i.e MURDER SHE WROTE)

Photographs, film scenes, posters etc. have all been reproduced in monochrome with no colour plates at all which is surprising considering the hefty price tag. Nevertheless, this welcome book is a well-defined treasure trove of Day information essential to all Day fans which although available elsewhere in the past, is now conveniently grouped together for easy reference. Recommended.

REVIEW
by Allen Pollock

Table of Contents:

Preface
Yesterday and Today: A Biography

Day at the Movies

• Overview

• Filmography

• Film Awards and Statistics

• Films That Might Have Been

Day Over the Radio

• Overview

• Albums

• Singles

• Released Songs

• Unreleased Songs

• Live Recordings

• Radio Shows

• Music Awards and Charts

Day on the Television

• Overview

• The Doris Day Show

• Doris Day's Best Friends

• Variety Shows

• Special Appearances

• Other Television Appearances

• Television Shows That Might Have Been

Selected Bibliography
Index