This is the film that supposedly sank fledgling Grand National Films after an only three-year existence. Supposedly costing $900,000, the failure of this film sealed the studio's fate. While this is an enjoyable film with pleasant songs and attractive players, I find it hard to believe that cost assessment. The settings are attractive, but not lavish, and aside from James Cagney, there are really no box-office champs here that would require a hefty salary. Evelyn Daw was charming and a very good singer in this, and she supposedly made just one other film before yawing into oblivion. She deserved a better chance at success. There are some familiar faces among the supporting cast such as William Frawley and Gene Lockhart. Phillip Ahn has a surprisingly non-stereotypical role as Cagney's man-Friday, and Mona Barrie is good as a temperamental co-star for Cagney. The print on my DVD is clear and in pretty good shape. A good example of cinema from the mid-to-late '30s.
Review of Something to Sing About
