This may be better than other restoratives, such as a brisk walk before breakfast.
The details? Dick Powell and the Mills Brothers. A song by Al Dubin and Harry Warren, from the 1934 film TWENTY MILLION SWEETHEARTS. And I read that Powell insisted on this being recorded and filmed “live” rather than have the five of them — notice, no studio orchestra (which would have been entirely unnecessary) — lip-syncing, as was the custom.
This performance, just over two minutes, is totally entrancing: clearly rehearsed, because there are a million places where collisions would be possible, it becomes a sweet vocal ballet with very uplifting visual touches. Historically-minded listeners may hear parallels between this and what Bing had done even before he and the Brothers made a record in 1932 (and a film appearance in THE BIG BROADCAST) and I hear a good deal of what the Spirits of Rhythm were so memorably creating.
But right now, I plan to watch and listen to this clip several more times. I encourage you to take as needed as well. Thanks to Steven Potteiger of Facebook for pointing me to Ron Evry’s video — without them, I would have been unrestored.
May your happiness increase!
