Beat the Band

A simple, little show, from RKO. Frances Langford, singing star of the 1930s and 1940s is Anne Rogers. Co-star Ralph Edwards had a whopping seven film credits, so we know this isn't a top drawer production. The biggest names in here are listed at the end of the cast list. musician Gene Krupa. Donald MacBride and Grady Sutton, who were in comedies with the marx brothers and W.C. Fields. so Langford sings a bunch of the songs in here, but that's not enough to zing this one up; Returning soldiers from the war... showbiz, bands. starting over. its pretty slow. there's almost nothing of a story, but the actors all do their best. Directed by John Auer, about mid-career. directed 43 films, but nothing to memorable. ho hum. skip this one.

Eddie Martin has a problem. He is a man of ambition, but being broke doesn't help him bring back the band he, and Damon Dillingham, put together to play at one of the best rooms in Manhattan. What to do? Eddie is responsible for getting to the Rogers, a well to do family from another state to advance him money for the musical education of their talented, and beautiful, daughter, Ann.

Things get complicated when Ann, who boards a train for New York, meets the handsome and debonair Damon Dillingham, who falls for the beautiful young woman the moment he sees her. Once Ann is New York, Eddie has Damon impersonate the great classical professor Blanchetti to dupe Ann. The talented Ann, wants to sing popular music and she gets her wish when she auditions for the Damon's band engagement in an exclusive club. It's at this point where all things are solved.

John Auer directed this RKO comedy with music showing he knew what he was doing. The best thing in the film is Frances Langford, whose beautiful voice and charming screen presence assured a good time for all her fans. Ralph Edwards, as the scheming Eddie is also fine in a delightful comic turn. Phillip Terry's good looks plays well opposite Ms. Langford. June Clayworth, Mabel Paige, Grady Sutton are seen in supporting roles. Gene Krupa and his wonderful orchestra are also seen in the picture in a couple of musical numbers.

Beat The Band was a musical on Broadway directed by George Abbott. It was not one of his bigger hits running only 67 performances. Just a bare out line of a plot was used, the score was completely discarded. You wonder how these things happen especially since the songs written for the screen were nothing to write home about.

The best thing however about this film was Frances Langford singing these songs mediocre as they were. She's a young singer who Philip Terry is trying to get for his reconstituted band he left before going in the service. But with band manager Ralph Edwards's machinations and harebrained schemes they'll be lucky if they all don't land in the clink.

Another good part of Beat The Band was Gene Krupa and his orchestra appearing. Krupa was worked into the plot a bit more than when he did that specialty spot in Ball Of Fire.

Maybe if George Abbott came over from Broadway...............

This movie is a treat for Francis Langford fans. Looking spectacular, sounding divine, this is a charmingly beautiful little movie. It is fast paced and right to the point. Thats what I love about the movies from the 30's and the 40's. Excellent pacing, whether due to the expertise of the film makers or budget constraints, the films move right along. Philip Terry is a perfect choice for the love interest. Handsome, debonair, and Ralph Edwards is superb as the scheming lawyer. Grady Sutton in a cameo role is his usual bumbling self. Throw in Gene Krupa and his band and you've got an hour of happiness! But its Frances Langford that is the STAR here. Charming, vulnerable, and so gorgeous. No wonder she stole the hearts of GI's and civilians during and after WWII. Highest recommendation!