All of the characters are good for some hefty laughs, and Del Ruth’s direction and the writing supply plenty of touches that keep punching the risibilities and jogging nostalgic memory.
70
The Guardian
The Guardian
Entertainment as wholesome as mom's apple pie. [13 Jan 2007, p.53]
70
The Observer (UK)
The Observer (UK)
Delightful period musical set in a small town on the eve of America's entry into World War Two. [09 Apr 2006, p.14]
60
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
Adapted from Booth Tarkington's Penrod stories and his Alice Adams, the Warner Bros. production suffuses its folksy story in nostalgia but never completely warms the hearts it aims for.
60
Time Out
Time Out
Very much in the manner of Meet Me in St Louis, though nowhere near as good. The charming golden oldie score, featuring an array of hummable standards to go with the title song, is a definite plus.
Although it strives to develop a genuine nostalgic mood, all that On Moonlight Bay seems to create, sadly enough, is the feeling that this film format is old hat.