Breakfast in Hollywood

You can't judge this little 60 year old film by today's frenetic TV game show standards or cynical attitudes. This little film was aimed at a specific market - middle aged house wives. The radio shows humor was gentle, unoffensive,and aimed at those areas a house wife could appreciate; her hats, her home, and her husband. Zasu Pitts and Beulah Bondi perfectly captured the excitement of those housewives who had waited anxiously for their chance to attend the shows taping, and possibly win a prize. Sure, the plot was implausible, but the point was to sell the show's host as a regular guy, who was personally available to his listeners. What better way to attract listeners to the radio show and to the sponsors. A regular listener would have been sure to go to the movie theater to see her show "live". The world of commercial radio was as serious as TV would be in a few years time. Everything you found on TV started on radio - Soap operas, game shows, serials, music, drama, and comedy. If you wanted to "see" radio - you went to the taping of the show or to the movie theater for a film like this. Maybe the host wasn't a comedian, and the contests were silly but don't forget The Newlywed Game, Beat the Clock, Monty Hall, and Bob Barker - all huge hits in their time. In a time when most women, of a certain age, stayed at home and made breakfast for their kids and husbands, 8 AM was probably the first chance in their morning to sit down, relax, and listen to the radio. I'm sure this show was very popular and I wouldn't be surprised if my Grandmothers and Aunts listened to it as well. This charming little film reminds us that early radio and film appreciated and understood their audience. No this isn't a great classic film, but it helps us to understand the film industry and the audience during that era.

Having listened to the radio program every single morning in the 40s, it was a trip back in time for me! As soon as I heard Tom's voice I knew who it was. My mother took all three of us children to the live broadcast on several occasions. And Mother wore her hats, always wore a hat and gloves back then. I think you'd need to be of the proper era to appreciate it, and a lot of the other old time movies, as well. The war years were a time unto themselves, and I don't know how this generation could relate well enough to appreciate the nation's, and the world's, philosophies and attitudes of that time.

This movie is a warm fuzzy for us older folks.

This unpretentious film with a remarkable cast features one of the last movie appearances of Bonita Granville, who deserves rediscovery through everything from the newly released "Nancy Drew" DVDs to a very effective performance in "These Three." Here she boosts a simple programmer with charm and conviction.

It's also a film where such contrasting acts as Spike Jones and Nat King Cole appear,and as bonus there's Hedda Hopper, who I always thought had a very interesting screen presence. I'm not familiar with the radio program the film ostensibly showcases, but it was evidently a popular fixture in its day. But it's Granville who anchors the film with her appealing manner and sincere acting.

There's only one thing good about this movie--actually two--the inclusion of special musical guests Nat King Cole and his Trio and Spike Jones. Anyone who likes the nostalgia involved with Spike and his crazy band of loonies, will be happy to know that there were no electronic gimmicks used in these performances.

Every pistol shot, gurgle, burp, and every other noise is supplied live and in real time by Spike and members of his crew. The fact is, these were top notch professionals who were highly trained in their art. They went through hours of rehearsal just to get their parts down right.

That's all I can say about the film which is now in a box set of 49 other "musical" films from the 20s-to the 60s...

I occasionally comment on films I find interesting, and it always comes down to- either you 'get' it or you don't. I have a sneaking suspicion those that don't are younger viewers. It was common practice in the 30s and 40s to take a popular radio show and bring it to the big screen. Why? For profit, of course. This being pre-TV, it also created the opportunity for radio listeners to see their favorite performers. These were pop movies, 'programmers'- meant to make a quick buck and capitalize on a radio show's popularity. I find many of them sweet, though not the best quality. Where else are you going to see Tom Breneman, a popular host of BREAKFAST IN HWOOD? The plot of BIH is completely unrealistic (fine w/ me)in that it has Brenemen getting involved in the lives of several of the people that come to see his show. Doesn't know them of course, but wants to help anyway! I found him affable and pleasant- just the kind of host you'd want to listen to shortly after waking up. Other reviewers have told the plot, so I'll stop here. Worth seeing for nostalgia fans, and that's a darn good reason!