Rating : - Deanna dazzles in operetta gem
Deanna Durbin's charm saves this otherwise paint-by-the-numbers operetta, based on the Broadway musical. One of the last major works of famed composer Sigmund Romberg, UP IN CENTRAL PARK (1948) showcases Deanna in a lush period setting.

Irish immigrants Rosie Moore (Deanna Durbin) and her Papa (Albert Sharpe) arrive in New York City with promises of wealth and prosperity. New York is under the corrupt hand of Boss Tweed (Vincent Price), who holds powerful sway with the Mayor and all the public officials. Accidentally stumbling in on one of Tweed's business meetings, Rosie helps her father get the position of the Central Park superintendent. With promises of kick-starting her career in opera, Rosie becomes another pawn in Tweed's web of corruption...can she be saved by crusading reporter John Matthews (Dick Haymes)?

Deanna's second-last movie appearance ("For the Love of Mary" would be released several months later in the year), UP IN CENTRAL PARK is a cute diversion but hardly stands among Durbin's all-time best movies. The 1870's period setting suits her to a tee, and while she doesn't try to attempt an Irish accent, the role of Rosie completely becomes her in every other way. Vincent Price oozes urbane charm and guile as the corrupt Tweed; Albert Sharpe ("Darby O'Gill and the Little People") is perfection as Rosie's Papa. Suave crooner Dick Haymes (1945's "State Fair") makes beautiful music with Ms Durbin.

If you're a Deanna completist you'll definitely want to have UP IN CENTRAL PARK, casual viewers might be advised to think twice.