jpickerel

OK, OK, everyone, save a few, think this movie is a real mish-mosh. The title is misleading, in that you would expect a Broadway type atmosphere to what you are going to see. Not so. You have to think of this effort as a Waldorf Salad. Loved the nuts, hated the raisins. The apples were OK, the dressing, an abomination. Vera Zorina delightful, Kenny Baker pathetic. Andrea Leeds certainly no actress, Menjou could sleep walk (and did) through his part. See what I mean? Pick yer spot. For instance, not many people understand or appreciate the Ritz Brothers today. Me, I think they were super talented, European night club trained comedians with a finely honed edge to their bits, especially the pussy cat number. Edgar Bergen's lips moved. So what? His timing and handling of his partner, Charlie, and his wit are superb. The American Ballet (and I'm no fan of the Ballet) were a treat for the eyes and they certainly knew their craft. There's just enough to make you appreciate it, not enough to make you fast forward. The same goes for the Opera segments, just enough. Forget the story. It's an insult to the intelligence of a 10 year old. A girl gets picked to become an adviser to a movie producer, after he overhears her comments on a movie in progress at a location near her home. Gee, just like real life! Did I enjoy it? Yeah, I guess. Would I buy it to watch again? Probably not.

For some reason, I didn't see this show until it went into reruns. Now, I have to scramble early in the morning to catch it. Ted Danson does a great job as the crotchety doctor, with a less than desirable practice in a less than desirable neighborhood. His crabbiness extends to just about everyone, from his able assistant, Margaret (Hattie Winston) to her not so able helper, Linda (Shawnee Smith), and to his patients. His bedside manner is atrocious (long before House came along). He has no patience with authority or poor service from anyone. Yet, he comes off as lovable. (His battle to stop smoking is extremely funny). This is a tribute to Danson and the writers. The ensemble cast is near perfect. Alex Dessert as the blind newsstand owner, Jake, and Saverio Guerra as Bob, the regular at the diner who has few redeeming qualities, grows on you. Great show, this one kinda sneaks up on you.

Here is a remake of "It Happened One Night", the Oscar winner for Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. Now, it's OK to remake a bad movie; you just may improve it. But never try to improve on a great film! I've been a Jack Lemmon fan for many, many years and often wondered if he'd ever made any really bad films. This picture gave me the answer, although I can't say that Lemmon gives a bad performance. He's just not Clark Gable, and shouldn't have tried to be. Miss Allyson is Miss Allyson, no matter what role she plays, and just doesn't carry this one off. To make matters worse, they made a sort of musical out of it. The songs are not memorable, nor do they fit. Their presence is something like a bump in a carpet. They just shouldn't be there. Honestly, if you're a June Allyson fan, you may find this effort amusing, otherwise, I wouldn't waste my time.