This page presents an annotated, worldwide bibliography of reviews, articles and other published material related to the 1937 film When You’re in Love (link to LBS filmography page). This American film includes Louise Brooks in the role of an unnamed dancer. Under its American title, documented screenings of the film took place in Australia, British Malaysia (Singapore), Canada, Dutch Guiana (Surinam), India, and The Netherlands. The film was also shown in the England, Ireland, and the Isle of Man under the title For You Alone. Elsewhere, this motion picture was known to have been shown under other-language titles including Sérénade (Belgium); Prelúdio de Amor (Brazil); Když vy jste v lásce (Czechoslovakia); Serenade (Denmark); Rakastuessa (Finland); Le Cœur en fête (France); Amanti di domani (Italy); Preludio de amor (Mexico); Als je verliefd bent (The Netherlands); Forelsket (Norway); Kiedy jestes zakochana (Poland); Prelúdio de Amor (Portugal); Preludio de amor (Spain); and När man är kär (Sweden).
As research is ongoing, this page is a work in progress. It is understood that any given citation comes from an American source, unless otherwise noted. The intention of this bibliography is to be both comprehensive and useful. Most citations represent a substantial review or article. Capsule reviews, or significant shorter pieces — usually a paragraph or two in length — are so noted. Entries are arranged chronologically. Critical commentary regarding Brooks, or the film as a whole (excerpted from the material cited) is given as annotations. Some citations link to the material noted: some of these links reside on the Louise Brooks Society, while others reside elsewhere on the web.
Much can be gleamed from a bibliography such as this. Besides what critics thought of the film, one can follow the path of the film’s distribution — where it showed and when; sometimes, for example, the exhibition record might reveal if the film was shown before its official release date. As well, this bibliography shows which critics at which newspapers and magazines reviewed films. History, here, is in the details.
An * indicates that a copy of this citation is held in the archives of the LBS. This annotated bibliography has been compiled by Thomas Gladysz, and was last updated in October 2015. [Help wanted: If you know of additional citations, can provide further information on entries noted on this page, or can provide copies of citations not marked with an * but which are known to exist, please contact the LBS. The LBS would like to acquire additional material on the screening of this film.]
WHEN YOU’RE IN LOVE
released February 27, 1937
anonymous. “Interludio.” Cinema Illustrazione, December 23, 1936. (Italy)
— article
Soanes, Wood. “Curtain Calls.” Oakland Tribune, December 31, 1936. *
— “Louise Brooks is certainly starting her come-back from the lowest rung of the ladder. She is one of a hundred dancers in the ballet chorus of Grace Moore’s When You’re in Love emerging from Columbia. In 1929 she was featured in The Canary Murder Case ” – mention in column in Oakland, California newspaper
anonymous. “News of the Screen.” New York Times, December 31, 1936. *
— “Louise Brooks, star of the silent screen, is making her screen comeback as a member of the ballet in Grace Moore’s forthcoming Columbia production, When You’re in Love.” – mention in article in New York City newspaper
author unknown. Motion Picture Studio Insider, January, 1937. (United States)
— pages 7 and page 26
anonymous. “What’s What in Movieland.” Toronto Star, January 7, 1937. (Canada) *
— mention of Brooks’ appearance as a member of the chorus in instance of syndicated article in Toronto, Canada newspaper
Grandville, Grace. “When You’re in Love.” Atlanta Constitution, January 31, 1937.
— “Grace Moore Offers You Advice on the Situation” – article in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “When You’re in Love. Columbia.” Leading Motion Pictures, February 1, 1937. *
— capsule review; “The entire picture has an intrinsic spontaneity for which credit must be given to the writer-director as well as to the excellent work of the players.” – publication of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America
anonymous. “Moore’s You’re in Love Swell; Star at Her Best.” Hollywood Reporter, February 13, 1937. *
— “With a more substantial story than the last two Grace Moore vehicles, When You’re in Love is a signal triumph for the foremost diva of the screen, for Cary Grant who should soar to stardom as result of his performance in this, and for Robert Riskin, here notably handling his first directorial assignment.” – review in trade journal
author unknown. Variety, February 13, 1937.
— trade journal review; ” . . . should make a substantial money maker.”
The Boulevardier. “Reviews of New Films.” Atlanta Constitution, February 14, 1937.
— “Recommended.” – review in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
author unknown. Motion Picture Daily, February 15, 1937.
— “Should have no difficulty winning wide audience approval.”
Schwartzkopf. Motion Picture, February ??, 1937.
— “Be sure to see it. Sparkling comedy, sprightly situations make it ideal entertainment for everyone. Grace Moore’s best picture to date.”
Townsend. Modern Screen, February ??, 1937.
— “Grace Moore’s in one of the season’s swellest comedies. Her Minnie the Moocher a new high in low-down.”
anonymous. “Reviews of the New Films.” Film Daily, February 18, 1937. *
— ” . . . destined to be a real money maker.”
Creelman, Eileen. “Picture, Plays and Players.” New York Sun, February 18, 1937. *
— article in New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Reel Reviews.” Brooklyn Citizen, February 19, 1937. *
— review in New York City newspaper
author unknown. Ohio State Journal, February 19, 1937.
— article in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
Barnes, Howard. “On the Screen.” New York Herald Tribune, February 19, 1937. *
— ” . . . a bright and amusing entertainment.” – New York City newspaper
Boehnel, William. “Films.” New York World-Telegram, February 19, 1937. *
— review in New York City newspaper
Cameron, Kate. “Grace Moore’s New Film Signal Success.” New York Daily News, February 19, 1937. *
— ” . . . thoroughly enjoyable entertainment.” – New York City newspaper
Creelman, Eileen. “The New Talkies.” New York Sun, February 19, 1937. *
— ” . . . one of the season’s bright spots. . . . Miss Moore has done better acting. She has never looked more lovely.” – review in New York City newspaper
Garland, Robert. “Grace Moore Mingles High-de-Ho with Opera in Blithesome Movie.” New York American, February 19, 1937.
— “When You’re in Love is the high-point of Grace Moore’s career.” – review in New York City newspaper
Kienzie, George. “When You’re in Love Is Big Palace Success.” Columbus Dispatch, February 19, 1937. *
— review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
Maloney, Russell. New York World-Telegram, February 19, 1937.
— “A glib and amusing discussion of things romantic and musical, it is one of the best films Miss Moore has had – a literate, tonic, diverting entertainment that may be, attended by all in search of witty comedy and lilting melody.” – New York City newspaper
M’Combs, R. L. F. “Opera Singer Sean and Heard In Romantic, Unlikely Comedy.” Columbus Citizen, February 19, 1937. *
— review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
Nugent, Frank S. “When You’re in Love Opens at Music Hall.” New York Times, February 19, 1937. *
— “As a postscript we might add that the picture could have stood a few more comic touches, that it takes a long time getting started, and . . . .” – review in New York City newspaper
Pelswick, Rose. “Grace Moore Heightens Gaiety With Her Minnie-the-Moocher.” New York Evening Journal, February 19, 1937. *
— review in New York City newspaper
Winsten, Archer. “When You’re in Love at the Music Hall.” New York Post, February 19, 1937. *
— “The picture charms, touches and amuses you.” – New York City newspaper
author unknown. Atlanta Constitution, February ??, 1937.
— “Clicked with opening day’s audiences . . . grand entertainment.” – review in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
Pooler, James S. Detroit Free Press, February ??, 1937.
— “Her best picture . . . one of the best musical romances out of Hollywood.” – review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
Weitschat, Al. Detroit News, February ??, 1937.
— “Delightful concoction of mirth and music . . . gems of entertainment.” – review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Song ‘n’ Love.” Akron Beacon Journal, February 20, 1937. *
— review in Akron, Ohio newspaper
McCarthy, Gus. “Showmen’s Reviews.” Motion Picture Herald, February 20, 1937. *
— review in trade journal
L., M. F. “Grace Moore at Her Best.” Wall Street Journal, February 20, 1937. *
— review in New York City newspaper
Mishkin, Leo. “Screen Presents.” Morning Telegraph, February 20, 1937. *
— review in New York City newspaper
author unknown. “Atlanta Enthusiastic in Praise Of Latest Grace Moore Picture.” Atlanta Constitution, February 21, 1937.
— “Atlanta theatergoers have now added their indorsement to the verdict of the critics, that When You’re in Love, new Grace Moore picture now showing at the Rialto theater, is far and away the finest thing Miss Moore has yet achieved for the screen.” – article in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “Grace Moore at the Rio.” Helena Independent, February 21, 1937. *
— article in Helena, Montana newspaper
anonymous. “Se Estrena Preludio De Amor.” Prensa, February 21, 1937. *
— article in Spanish-language Texas newspaper
Mulcahy, Charles J. “Grace Moore Startles Fans With Minnie the Moocher.” Youngstown Vindicator, February 21, 1937. *
— review in Youngstown, Ohio newspaper
C., D. W. “Star System Salvages Three Pictures of Doubtful Worth.” San Francisco Chronicle, February 21, 1937. *
— ” . . . this newest offering of Miss Moore is probably her most pleasant.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
author unknown. Hollywood Spectator, February 24, 1937.
— referring to Grace Moore – “It is unquestionably her best to-date and never has she appeared to better photographic advantage.”
Land. “When You’re in Love.” Variety, February 24, 1937. *
— ” . . . . should do nice biz. It represents skillful manipulation of star, cast and music values.”
anonymous. “Music Hall Holds Bill.” Wall Street Journal, February 26, 1937. *
— brief article in New York City newspaper
Cinemaid. “Grace Moore Humor, Songs Enliven New Musical.” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, February 26, 1937. *
— “Robert Riskin has equipped Miss Moore and Mr. Grant with a very amusing screen play and he has directed it to make the most of the humorous aspects of a marriage of convenience.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
Douglas, Don. “Grace Moore Lets Herself Go, and Sings ‘Minnie the Moocher’.” San Francisco News, February 26, 1937. *
— San Francisco, California newspaper
Hanifin, Ada. “Grace Moore and Cary Grant Applauded in New Comedy at Orpheum.” San Francisco Examiner, February 26, 1937. *
— “Robert Riskin, figuratively, has Grace Moore jumping through hoops. Confronted with a Metropolitan Opera star, for his first experience with the megaphone, Riskin obviously made the best of it, and ‘called it a day’.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
H., J. “La Moore Lilts and Loves In Her Newest Song Film.” San Francisco Chronicle, February 26, 1937. *
— “It’s an amusing bauble . . . .” – San Francisco, California newspaper
anonymous. “When You’re in Love.” Billboard, February 27, 1937.
— capsule review
author unknown. Boxoffice, February 27, 1937.
— — trade journal review; “This is grand entertainment from every possible angle. It will delight any audience and is a cinch to make a bid for box office records.”
author unknown. Hollywood Spectator, February 27, 1937.
— “It is by long odds the best picture in which Grace Moore has appeared and will rank in popularity with her first, One Night of Love, which owed a great deal of its success to the fact of its being the initial offering of a grand opera singer as a screen star.”
anonymous. “Torch-Song Diva.” Literary Digest, February 27, 1937. *
— “Riskin, recalling shrewdly that scenarios were at their level best when minor characters were shuffled around in such a way as to sharpen the importance of majors in the cast, brings the same formula into his direction, and with like triumphant results for the cinema.”
anonymous. New Yorker, February 27, 1937. *
— “[ It ] lurches off to a pleasantly inane start and continues at a good clip thereafter.”
anonymous. Newsweek, February 27, 1937. *
— capsule review; “Grace Moore’s new vehicle lurches off to a pleasantly inane start and continues at a good clip thereafter.”
author unknown. Weekly Guide, February 27, 1937.
— “A highly entertaining picture.”
Harrison, P. S. “When You’re in Love with Grace Moore and Cary Grant.” Harrison’s Reports, February 27, 1937. *
— short review in trade publication; “This is only fair entertainment; it may prove disappointing to Miss Moore’s followers.”
Maloney, Russell. “The Current Cinema.” New Yorker, February 27, 1937. *
— short review
author unknown. “Grace Moore Now in Second Week In When You’re in Love at Rialto.” Atlanta Constitution, February 28, 1937.
— “When You’re in Love, is now in its second week at the Rialto theater, with strong indication that it will take several weeks to accommodate all the Atlantans who want to see this vastly entertaining . . . .” – article in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
Nugent, Frank S. “There’s Always a Topic.” New York Times, February 28, 1937. *
— Robert Riskin’s screenplay is discussed in this article; New York City newspaper
author unknown. Cue, February 29, 1937.
— “[ It ] is, in general, pleasant entertainment In the traditional pseudo-operatic style which has come to be associated with the screen vehicles of this singer-comedienne.”
Patterson, Russell. “Grace Moore Heads Hit List in New Song-Filled Triumph, When You’re in Love.” Picture-Play, March, 1937. *
— ” . . . one of the most scintillating, side-splitting romances I’ve ever laughed through.”
anonymous. “Cinema.” Time, March 1, 1937. *
— “The ingenuity with which Hollywood scenarists arrange opportunities for the heroines of musical comedies to perform their function of singing is matched only by the lack of ingenuity with which they observe the tradition that all musical comedy heroines must be singer’s by tradition.”
Marsh, W. Ward. “Grace Moore at Her Best in Washout Film.” Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 1, 1937. *
— review in Cleveland, Ohio newspaper
author unknown. Philadelphia Exhibitor, March 1, 1937.
— page 32
anonymous. “Cinema.” Time, March 1, 1937. *
— review
anonymous. “Grace Moore Film Heads New Bill.” Los Angeles Times, March 3, 1937. *
— article in Los Angeles, California newspaper
author unknown. National Legion of Decency, March 4, 1937.
C., C. “Singing Star Thrills Fans In New Film.” Hollywood Citizen-News, March 4, 1937. *
— review in Los Angeles, California newspaper
Parsons, Louella O. “Grace Moore’s Moocher Song Proves Surprise.” Los Angeles Examiner, March 4, 1937. *
— article in Los Angeles, California newspaper
Schallert, Edwin. “Grace Moore Film Clever Offering.” Los Angeles Times, March 4, 1937. *
— “However, the qualities of the film are quite Riskinish. There’s no mistaking that.” – review in Los Angeles, California newspaper
Roelof, Gerrit. “Two on the Aisle.” Daily Bruin, March 5, 1937. *
— write-up in film column in UCLA student newspaper
anonymous. “New Theater Opens Today.” Daily Oklahoman, March 5, 1937. *
— related article in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma newspaper
anonymous. “Grace Moore at Loews Houses.” Boston Post, March 6, 1937. *
— article in Boston, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania newspaper
anonymous. “Loew’s Theater Has Grace Moore In Hit Feature.” Hartford Courant, March 6, 1937.
— “Don’t look now, but Loew’s Theater appears to be starting another one of those record-breaking picture engagements with When You’re in Love. Grace Moore’s splendid new starring vehicle, which opened there on Friday morning. . . . ” — article in Hartford, Connecticut newspaper
S., W. F. “Grace Moore Magnificent in Loew’s Film.” Hartford Daily Times, March 6, 1937. *
— review in Hartford, Connection newspaper
anonymous. “New Musical Film Triumph for Grace Moore.” Indiana Evening Gazette, March 6, 1937. *
— article in Indiana, Pennsylvania newspaper
author unknown. Boston Transcript, March 6, 1937.
— page 4
DAR. Fox West Coast Bulletin, March 6, 1937.
— “Grace Moore at her best, delightful music, good dialogue, and an amusing story.” – author is attributed to Daughters of the American Revolution
Harris, Mary. “A Grace Moore Hit is on View at the Earle.” Washington Post, March 6, 1937. *
— “Grace Moore gallantly sets out to prove she can suit every musical taste in her latest picture.” – Washington D.C. newspaper
Jennings, Mabelle. “Grace Moore Film Proves Geniunely Funny Jamboree.” Washington Herald, March 6, 1937. *
— review in Washington, D.C. newspaper
Kelley, Andrew. “Grace Moore at Earle.” Washington Times, March 6, 1937. *
— review in Washington, D.C. newspaper
Phillips Jr., Robert B. “Grace Moore Entertaining In Familiar Episodes.” Washington Evening Star, March 6, 1937. *
— review in Washington, D.C. newspaper
Wagner, Rob. Rob Wagner’s Script, March 6, 1937.
— “Here is the perfect combination – the director who writes his own script and delivers perfectly. . . Yes, I’m raving, not only because I’m ‘a little boy who likes motion pictures,’ as Fulton Oursler says, but because I’m a priest of beauty; and this picture thrilled me.”
author unknown. Scholastic, March 6, 1937.
— “The picture is a worthy successor to the long line of Grace Moore triumphs. Her rendition of Minnie the Moocher is along worth the price of admission.”
anonymous. “Singing Star Again Caught In Love Net.” Hartford Courant, March 7, 1937.
— review in Hartford, Connecticut newspaper
author unknown. “Grace Moore is Now in Third Week Of When You’re in Love at Rialto.” Atlanta Constitution, March 7, 1937.
— “When You’re in Love newest and, according to a majority of those who have seen it, best picture made by Grace Moore, is now in its third week at the Rialto Cheater, with the demand for seats showing no signs of easing.” – article in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “The New Films.” Christian Century, March 10, 1937. *
— “Fairly pleasing musical romance.”
anonymous. “Monitor Movie Guide.” Christian Science Monitor, March 13, 1937. *
— capsule review; ” . . . ranks close to One Night of Love . . . . Top honors go to Cary Grant for an excellent comedy performance.”
anonymous. “El Triunfo Logrado Por Grace Moore.” Prensa, March 14, 1937. *
— article in Spanish-language Texas newspaper
Wales, Clarke. “When You’re in Love.” Sacramento Union, March 14, 1937. *
— reviewed in the Screen & Radio Weekly section; “Grace Moore and Cary Grant in a lively musical film.” – Sacramento, California newspaper
author unknown. Motion Pictures & Family, March 15, 1937.
— article
anonymous. “Theater.” Mansfield News Journal, March 20, 1937. *
— article in Mansfield, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Theater.” Mansfield News Journal, March 22, 1937. *
— review in Mansfield, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Opening Sunday at Liberty.” Times Recorder, March 31, 1937. *
— short article in in Zanesville, Ohio newspaper
“Marriage for Convenience.” Picture-Play, April, 1937. *
— two page photo-spread with brief text
West Coast Preview Committee. “When You’re in Love (Columbia).” Selected Motion Pictures, April 1, 1937. *
— capsule review; “Delightful entertainment for the entire family.” – publication of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America
Pelswick, Rose. “Famous Writer, Europe Bound, Bares Woes in Making Film.” New York Journal, April 1, 1937.
— article about director Robert Riskin
anonymous. “When You’re in Love – Columbia.” Photoplay, April, 1937. *
— capsule review
Kern, Betty. “Grace Moore Humor Proves Not So Funny.” Dayton Journal, April ?, 1937. *
— review in Dayton, Ohio newspaper
Previewer, The. “Grace Moore Wins Throngs with Minnie the Moocher.” Oakland Post-Enquirer, April 9, 1937. *
— “In addition to her singing, the lovely lady turns in a good job of acting . . . . ” – Oakland, California newspaper
Soanes, Wood. “Grace Moore’s Role Pleases in Roxie Film.” Oakland Tribune, April 9, 1937. *
— long review; Oakland, California newspaper
Creelman, Eileen. “Picture Plays and Players.” New York Sun, April 22, 1937.
— Riskin is quoted
anonymous. “Tip-Offs on the Talkies.” Motion Picture, May, 1937. *
— capsule review; rated good
Lusk, Norbert. “Thumbnail Reviews.” Picture-Play, May, 1937. *
— “Devotees of Grace Moore say this is her best picture since One Night of Love.”
anonymous. “The National Film Library.” London Times, May 18, 1937. (England) *
— mentions that a print of the film (as One Night of Love) has been acquired by the National Film Library – mention in article in London, England newspaper
anonymous. “Varsity Holds over When You’re in Love.” Dallas Morning News, June 1, 1937. *
— brief article in Dallas, Texas newspaper
anonymous. “Storia di un quadro impressionista.” Cinema, July 25, 1937. (Italy)
— satire of Grace Moore
H., R. “For You Alone.” Manchester Guardian, August 21, 1937. (England) *
— review in Manchester newspaper
M., H. “Films of the Week.” Observer, August 22, 1937. (England) *
— review in London newspaper
Greene, Graham. Night and Day, September 2, 1937. (England) *
— brief review by the well known novelist [ reprinted in Garbo and the Night Watchmen (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1971) and Pleasure Dome: The Collected Film Criticism, 1935-1940 (London: Secker and Warburg, 1972) ]
M., A. E.. “The Story of Yesterday.” Irish Times, September 21, 1937. (Ireland) *
— write-up in article in Dublin, newspaper
M., A. E.. “Charlie Caplin’s Future.” Irish Times, September 28, 1937. (Ireland) *
— brief write-up in article in Dublin, newspaper
M., A. E.. “Colossal, Super – Too Much.” Irish Times, October 5, 1937. (Ireland) *
— brief write-up in article in Dublin, newspaper
Riskin, Robert. “Le mie esperienze di regista.” Cinema, October 10, 1937. (Italy)
— the director on the film; in the same issue the Fascist censors judge the movie positively
anonymous. “Films Of Merit And Interest.” London Times, October 22, 1937. (England) *
— mention in article in London, England newspaper
Riskin, Robert. “Riskin diventa regista.” Cinema Illustrazione, October 27, 1937. (Italy)
same as above entry
anonymous. “Amanti di domani.” Bianco e Nero, January 31, 1938. (Italy) *
— two-plus page article
Deschner, Donald. The Films of Cary Grant. Secaucus, New Jersey: Citadel Press, 1973. *
— includes a three-page illustrated section on the film
Brennan, Sandra. “When You’re in Love.” All Movie Guide, circa 2000. *
— capsule review on film website; ” . . . this tuneful, romantic drama”
Morandini, Morando. Dizionario dei film. Bologna, Italy: Zanichelli, 2000. *
— includes a brief entry on the film – “Penultimo film di L. Brooks.”
anonymous. “When You’re in Love.” TV Guide Online, circa 2001. *
— brief review on entertainment website; “When You’re in Love is a charming little musical, full of bright, witty moments and enjoyable numbers, sparked by the chemistry between Moore and Grant.”