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Reviews
Playmates (1941)
Silly Fun
I read the reviews on IMDb before watching this movie, as I often do. I may be in the minority here, but it seemed to me like John Barrymore was having a ball in this movie, hamming it up outrageously and poking fun at his public image. I can understand how some think it is sad or demeaning, but it doesn't seem that way to me. Lupe Velez was typecast, as she often was, but still very funny. Patsy Kelly seemed to play the same character in every movie, better in some than others, probably mostly due to the writing. I thought she was good in this and quite funny. Overall, this movie has lots of silliness, some good laughs, and enjoyable music. To those who need more than that, you probably shouldn't be spend your time watching Kay Kyser movies.
It (1927)
It's fun
I'm one of those people who enjoy watching a Harold Lloyd or Buster Keaton short, but have trouble sitting through most full-length silent films. I became a Clara Bow fan after seeing some of her talkies and thought I would try watching this one when it showed on Turner Classic Movies. It seemed like a good bet since it's probably her best-known silent film, and the one that gave her the nickname that is still known today. The movie was quite entertaining and Clara shines even when you can't hear her. She was such a natural that her acting doesn't feel like acting. My next goal is to watch the movie Wings, also from 1927. It's a long one, but it does have Clara and it was directed by the great William A. Wellman, so I expect it to be entertaining also.
The Amazing Mr. Williams (1939)
Pleasant diversion
The only other review of this movie as of this date really trashes the stars and the movie itself. I usually like to read the user comments to give me an idea of what to expect from a movie I don't know much about. It's unfortunate when there aren't many comments for a certain tile, because when there is only one review and it unreasonably trashes the movie and cast, you don't get an idea of what to expect. I read the review before watching this title and I don't know where all the venom for this movie and the stars came from. Douglas and Blondell were both very talented and attractive people who usually delivered, even when the material was not the greatest. I found the movie and the performances fun and enjoyable. It isn't one of the great all-time classics, but a pleasant and funny diversion-much more than you can hope for in most newer movies. If you are a fan of these stars, you will not be disappointed.
Sailing Along (1938)
Why isn't Jessie better known?
Thanks to Robert Osborne and Turner Classic Movies for showcasing another wonderful performer who seems to be largely forgotten today. I thought I had a fair knowledge of movies, but I had never heard of Jessie Matthews until a recent showing of "Evergreen" on one of "Robert's Picks" nights. I read the description in the TCM guide and thought I would take a look, not expecting too much. After watching it, I wondered why I had never heard of this lovely and talented lady? I was captivated from her first scene and have eagerly awaited more ever since. This was the third movie I have seen with her, and I am a bigger fan than ever. She was a real charmer, and unlike most stars of the time, she wasn't afraid to look silly or unglamorous for a laugh. She appears in a plain or messy state in much of this movie, but comes off as appealing and lovely as any of the well-known stars of the 30's. It's our loss that she didn't make more movies, especially if it's true there were once plans to pair her with Fred Astaire. That would have been a wonderful combination.
Down Among the Sheltering Palms (1952)
Oh come on, it's fun!
OK, it isn't a masterpiece, but this forgotten little movie does have some something to offer. It's got three of the loveliest ladies working in movies at the time, and you get to see them in Technicolor! While it would have been nice to have a few more musical numbers for these talented women to sing, there are some good musical moments. Gloria DeHaven has a rendition of "All Of Me" that steams up the screen as much as anything Marilyn Monroe ever did, without being over the top. The title song only gets a brief treatment that makes you wonder why they didn't feature it as a full number. There are some funny scenes as the captain tries uncomfortably to avoid entanglements with these lovely ladies. The movie would have benefited from more location shooting to make the tropical island atmosphere more realistic, but they probably had a pretty limited budget. If you enjoy lighthearted musicals and service comedies, give this one a chance if you can catch it on Fox Movie Channel.
King of Burlesque (1936)
Great '30s Musical
Entertaining Fox musical, reminiscent of the great Warners backstage musicals of the early 30's. It even features Warner Baxter in the title role. He, of course, played the production manager in "42nd Street," probably the best known of those Warners musicals. Some favorite moments: Alice Faye singing a brief "Whose Big Baby Are You?" in a rather brief outfit; The "Shooting High" number, with the group around a piano, has a pleasingly impromptu feel about it; Cute little Dixie Dunbar's great tap dancing, in a number featuring Fats Waller. Alice Faye was a wonderful performer who isn't as well known today as many stars from the golden age of Hollywood. You can catch this and other Alice Faye musicals if you have Fox Movie Channel.
Flirtation Walk (1934)
Pleasant Musical
Some good songs, good cast. Dick Powell handles most of the singing, sounding great as always, even in Hawaiian. Pat O'Brien is enjoyable in a familiar role as the tough guy with a heart of gold. Biggest disappointment of the whole movie is no dancing by the lovely Ruby Keeler. What were they thinking? The movie is very different from the 42nd Street-Footlight Parade-Golddiggers musicals that the Powell/Keeler team is most famous for, and if you expect to see that type of movie, you might be disappointed. I love them in those movies, but I also enjoyed this as something different. It would be nice to see this movie released as part of a DVD box set to complement the great Busby Berkley set released in early 2006.