Born to Be Loved (1959)

Shy bespectacled Christian dressmaker Dorothy Atwater (Carol Morris, who had been Miss Universe 1956) and elderly Jewish singing teacher Professor Brauner (Hugo Haas, who also wrote and directed the film) occupy adjoining rooms in a downtown tenement apartment house and reveal their dreams to each other.

Dorothy yearns for romance, and Brauner would like his old piano replaced by a baby grand.

They pray for each other at their respective churches. They also help Providence on its way: Brauner asks his young singing pupil Eddie Flynn (Dick Kallman) to send flowers to Dorothy, and through Dorothy’s persuasion, wealthy but lonely widow Mrs Hoffman (Barbara Jo Allen, billed here as Vera Vague) offers Brauner her grand piano.

Later, Eddie’s girlfriend lets him down, and Dorothy, given beauty treatment at Mrs Hoffman’s expense, catches him on the rebound.

Mrs Hoffman and Brauner also marry so the former can adopt a baby.

The disarmingly ingenuous comedy-drama is titivated with songs and, although the tale is dipped in molasses, sincere acting and shrewd direction prevent it from cloying.

Dorothy Atwater
Carol Morris
Irene Hoffman
Barbara Jo Allen (as Vera Vague)
Professor Brauner
Hugo Haas
Eddie Flynn
Dick Kallman
Dame
Jacqueline Fontaine
Drunk 
Robert Foulk
Drunk’s Wife
Billie Bird
Saxophone Player
Pat Goldin
Hallway Woman
Maryesther Denver
Suzie’s Mother
Margot Baker
Fred
Tony Jochim

Director
Hugo Haas