I got my hands on a copy of Harmony Lane because it was Hattie McDaniel week on Hot Toasty Rag, but even though she was in the movie for about ten seconds, I'm still glad I watched it. Douglass Montgomery, the star and portrayer of Stephen Foster, impressed me! I'd only previously seen him as Laurie in my favorite version of Little Women, but I didn't like his performance. He must have taken the two years to take some acting lessons, because he was completely capable handling the lead role and making us believe he was the legendary composer. He was captivated by music, often hearing a tune in his head and needing to plunk it out on the nearest piano no matter what the situation; he loved and lost; and he suffered and died of a broken heart.

I thought this was going to be a rinky-dink, low-budget movie I'd want to turn off, but I enjoyed it very much. I got to hear both Montgomery and William Frawley sing, and I learned the heartache behind Stephen Foster's life. It was very sad to see him sell the rights to his songs for hardly any money, but I already knew that piece of trivia before watching the movie, so I was prepared. If you like "Beautiful Dreamer" or "Camptown Races", check out this well-acted biopic.