Doctor Rhythm

Plot

Dr. Bill Remsen (Bing Crosby) helps cover for his ailing policeman friend (Andy Devine) and takes the policeman's latest assignment as the bodyguard for a quirky but wealthy matron Mrs. Lorelei Dodge-Blodgett (Bea Lillie). Soon Bill falls in love with the lady's beautiful niece (Mary Carlisle). When the older woman becomes the target of thieves, Bill is able to thwart their efforts.

Cast

Production

The movie was filmed in Hollywood starting on October 13, 1937 and finishing in December of the same year. It had its Los Angeles premiere at the Paramount on April 28, 1938 and its New York premiere at the Paramount on May 18, 1938. This was Crosby's second independent feature outside his Paramount contract. George Stoll was the Musical Director with John Scott Trotter handling the musical arrangements and orchestration.

Reception

Frank S. Nugent writing in The New York Times was not impressed. "In the Paramount’s Doctor Rhythm, Bing Crosby, Bea Lillie & Co. are wooing the comic muse as though they had a $5 bet on its surrender. Maybe a $3 bet. Nothing quite so grim as their pursuing of the elfin guffaw has been seen in these parts since Martha Raye fell down the incinerator chute....An advantage — we might say the only advantage — is the complete informality of the show, an attitude for which Miss Lillie is largely and blessedly responsible....This puts her one up on Mr. Crosby, whose crooning is almost too liquid this time. “On the Sentimental Side”, “This Is My Night to Dream” and “My Heart Is Taking Lessons” were not so much sung as wrung out. Too bad, too, for they’re good numbers."

Variety liked it though. "…There is good marquee display in the title and top names, and customers will spread favorable comment after leaving theatres. This film should do nice business...‘On the Sentimental Side,’ one of five songs by John Burke and James V. Monaco, looms the likeliest along with ‘My Heart Is Taking Lessons.’ Frank Tuttle, who directed Waikiki Wedding with Crosby starred, seems to have the right combination on the crooner’s films...Dr. Rhythm will keep Crosby at his present high box-office rating."

Soundtrack

Bing Crosby recorded several of the songs for Decca Records. "On the Sentimental Side" reached the No. 4 spot in the charts of the day and spent 10 weeks in the lists. Crosby's songs were also included in the Bing's Hollywood series.