[2] Based on a story by David Butler, the film is about a construction worker who takes charge of the daughter of a friend killed in an accident.

[3] Buzz Blackwell, Fred Johnson, and Axel Swenson are construction workers in San Francisco who are helping to build the Golden Gate Bridge.

You're sure that Gloria Jean's father will be killed in the beginning of the film, leaving Bing and El Brendel to take her to her wealthy New York uncle.

"[6] Boxoffice also ignored the plot and classed the film strictly as a vehicle for the stars: "Bing is ably aided and abetted by Gloria Jean, captivating miss of the silvery voice.

In fact the teaming of these two song birds is a ten-strike in smart casting and the resultant feature has much to offer customers of all ages and tastes, with a bonus for the oldsters who will enjoy a nostalgic thrill through the appearances of Blanche Ring, Eddie Leonard, and several other oldtimers whose stars shone brightly during the golden era of the theatah."

"[7] Showmen's Trade Review saw it as a winner: "Universal has shown good judgment in teaming Bing Crosby, that sure-fire performer, with Gloria Jean, that youngster with the thrilling voice, and the result looks like a money attraction from all angles.

Bosley Crowther of The New York Times was not impressed: "The sum total is but a moderately amusing musical, more often flat than sharp—and this we say in spite of the fellow sitting next to us who kept telling his girl-friend solemnly, 'This is very entertaining, indeed.

Way below par as compared with his releases for both Universal and Paramount during the past two years, If I Had My Way will need all of his draw strength to get it through the key runs for nominal grosses.

Gloria Jean, no longer under contract to Universal, was barely acknowledged in the reissue, with newly filmed titles removing her equal billing, and new posters emphasizing Bing Crosby and downplaying his young co-star.

DVD Talk praised Crosby and thought Jean was cute, but criticized the plot, and called the film "strictly second-run material".