All 22 Elinor Donahue Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online

Jonathan Griffin
7 min readJun 19, 2024

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Get ready for a delightful journey through the world of cinema as we present a roundup of Elinor Donahue’s captivating films. From her early beginnings to her successful career, Elinor Donahue has graced the silver screen with her talent and charm. Dive into this entertaining movie roundup and discover the magic that unfolds on screen.

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1. Three Daring Daughters (1948)

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Experience the heartwarming tale of Three Daring Daughters, a musical romance from 1948. This captivating film follows Tess on her graduation day, as she witnesses her mother, Louise Rayton Morgan, missing the celebration due to overwork and stress.

2. My Blue Heaven (1950)

“My Blue Heaven” takes you on a heartwarming musical journey in 1950. Starring Betty Grable and Dan Dailey, this film follows a married song and dance duo as they strive to adopt children amidst their busy TV show performances.

3. Tea for Two (1950)

Tea for Two, a 1950 musical comedy, stars Doris Day as a socialite who seeks her fortune in the entertainment industry. To prove her determination, she challenges her wealthy uncle for a hefty $25,000 bet — if she can abstain from saying “no” for two straight days.

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4. Her First Romance (1951)

Set in the 1950s, “Her First Romance” is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama that revolves around teenager Betty Foster’s journey into love and friendship. Betty, played by Margaret O’Brien, is infatuated with Bobby Evans, a charming and talented athlete portrayed by Allen Martin Jr. However, Bobby is more focused on his sports career than on any girl, including Betty.

5. Love Is Better Than Ever (1952)

Love Is Better Than Ever: A Classic Comedy-Romance Film from 1952, expertly directed by Stanley Donen, brings to life a star-studded ensemble including Elizabeth Taylor, Larry Parks, and Josephine Hutchinson. This delightful movie dives into the intricacies of love and relationships, offering audiences a charming and captivating experience.

6. Sweethearts on Parade (1953)

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Step into the enchanting world of “Sweethearts on Parade” (1953) as it takes you on a journey filled with music, romance, and drama. The film follows the life of Sylvia Townsend, a young girl who finds excitement and glamor in the traveling medicine show brought to her town by Cam Ellerby. As her world changes, her mother Kathleen recalls her own past with a similar troupe, only to discover that her long-lost husband has returned.

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7. Woman’s World (1954)

“Woman’s World” is a classic drama-romance film directed by Jean Negulesco and released in 1954. The story revolves around an executive who devises an unconventional method to fill a high-ranking position — by interviewing the wives of the candidates. With an all-star cast that includes Van Heflin, Lauren Bacall, and Cornel Wilde, this film boasts an ensemble of talented actors.

8. Imitation of Life (1959)

“Imitation of Life, “ a drama from 1959, tells the story of an aspiring white actress, Lora Meredith, played by Lana Turner, who takes in an African American widow, Annie Johnson, portrayed by Juanita Moore. The young daughter of Annie, Sarah Jane, is mixed-race and struggles with her identity as she desires to be seen as white.

9. In Name Only (1969)

In Name Only, a delightful 1969 comedy-romance film, follows the misadventures of Steve and Jill as they navigate the challenges of getting married. When they discover that their chosen marriage counselor, JP, is not actually licensed, they must figure out how to resolve the situation before their big day. The film’s enchanting blend of love, laughter, and unexpected twists will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to see how the story unfolds.

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10. Gidget Gets Married (1972)

“Gidget Gets Married” is a heartwarming comedy-romance film that takes audiences on a joyful journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal norms. In this 1972 release, the iconic character Gidget, played by Monie Ellis, finally ties the knot with her new husband. However, she soon realizes his family-owned company is plagued with a stringent social caste system.

11. Good Old Days (1977)

Relive the magic of the ’50s and ’60s in “Good Old Days” (1977), a nostalgic TV special that takes you on a journey through the popular music of those iconic decades. Hosted by the legendary Dick Clark, this engaging documentary brings together the heart and soul of the era, showcasing classic hits and interviews with some of the most influential names in the music industry.

12. Father Knows Best: Home for Christmas (1977)

Get ready to reminisce and laugh as the original cast of “Father Knows Best” reunites in this heartwarming Christmas movie! After learning that none of their children will be coming home for the holidays, Jim and Margaret (played by Robert Young and Jane Wyatt) are faced with the decision to sell their beloved house.

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13. Doctors’ Private Lives (1978)

Prepare to be enthralled by the gripping tale of “Doctors’ Private Lives, “ a 1978 drama set in a bustling city hospital. Follow the lives of two highly skilled heart surgeons as they find themselves in the middle of a heated ethical conflict, while also clashing on a personal level.

14. High School U.S.A. (1983)

“High School U. S. A. “ is a classic 1983 coming-of-age comedy film set in the senior year of high school. The story revolves around J. J. , a student who finds himself pursuing the girlfriend of a rival from a higher clique. As J. J. navigates the complex social landscape of high school, he learns the importance of self-confidence, friendship, and standing up for what’s right.

15. Going Berserk (1983)

Going Berserk, originally released in 1983, is a side-splitting comedy that tells the tale of an unsuspecting chauffeur, who finds himself caught up in a cult’s twisted plans. Hypnotized to carry out an assassination, the chaotic events that follow lead to a series of encounters with odd and humorous characters. As the date for his fiancée’s wedding approaches, will he be able to overcome this predicament and finally tie the knot?

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16. Pretty Woman (1990)

Experience the timeless classic of Pretty Woman, a heartwarming and bittersweet romantic comedy from 1990. When a wealthy businessman, played by Richard Gere, hires a beautiful but street-smart prostitute, portrayed by rising star Julia Roberts, to be his arm candy at a series of social events, he never anticipates the intense feelings that arise between them.

17. Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)

Get ready for a thrilling nightmare as Freddy Krueger returns in “Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare” (1991). This chilling sequel follows the dream-haunting serial killer as he prowls the nightmares of Springwood’s last surviving teenager and a woman with a personal connection to Krueger. The final showdown may determine his fate.

18. Dear God (1996)

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“Dear God” is a delightful and whimsical comedy directed by Garry Marshall from 1996. The film follows the unexpected consequences that unfold when ordinary people start writing to God, and surprisingly, they start receiving replies and experiencing miraculous changes in their lives. This surprising chain of events has the post office and the postman quite irritated as they grapple with the sudden increase in mail.

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19. Shake, Rattle and Roll: An American Love Story (1999)

“Shake, Rattle and Roll: An American Love Story” is a captivating drama set in the 1950s that follows the rise of a high school rock band that becomes popular and attracts attention from major record labels. The film transports viewers back to a time when rock ’n’ roll was a force to be reckoned with, as the band faces pressure to change their direction.

20. Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Heart Within (2001)

“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Heart Within” is a heartfelt drama that brings together familiar faces from the beloved TV series.

21. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

Embark on a royal adventure in “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, “ where Princess Mia, now comfortably settled in Genovia, finds life about to take a dramatic and unexpected turn. Set against the stunning backdrop of Genovia’s opulent palaces and scenic settings, Mia faces a new challenge: an arranged marriage to a dashing English suitor, a decision made by her nation’s beloved Queen Clarisse. As Mia navigates the delicate ballet of duty and love, she must also grapple with family secrets and political intrigue.

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22. Star Trek: Inside the Roddenberry Vault (2016)

Enter the fascinating world of Star Trek in “Star Trek: Inside the Roddenberry Vault. “ This enthralling documentary series celebrates the 50th anniversary of Gene Roddenberry’s groundbreaking science fiction phenomenon. Delve into unseen footage, explore undiscovered territories, and witness the magic of Star Trek like never before.

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