chank46

To all of the 'experts' on cross dressing, and all of those giggling for a hint of 'gayness' in a seventy year old movie. I realize that being gay is the in thing today. Everybody wants to be gay. Even gay people want to be 'gay-er.' But it wasn't always that way, children. Seventy years ago, a beautiful blond woman stepped up to a microphone and created MAGIC. This movie features Frances Langford who from her first entrance in a movie, raises the quality of any film she is in. If she doesn't make your pulse race, then you don't have one. Must I state the obvious, that this film was made in 1941 for 1941 audiences. 'Some Like it Hot' and 'Tootsie' would come along years later. Lets just watch the 1940's movies for what they are...Sheer Entertainment. No political messages, no social conscience. 'All American Co-Ed' is a fun romp of silliness, spiced with the grand personality and sultry sound of the G.I. heart throb herself, Frances Langford. 'Out of the Silence' is a wonderful song sung so meltingly by Langford. It deserved an Academy Award nomination. It should have won. Is it too late for a recount?

This is a terrific little movie! Suspense, intrigue, murder, romance and the great beauty and charm of Frances Langford. Frances sings a great little number 'There goes my Romance'. A great little tune which deserves to be heard. She also does an upbeat tune 'Got Love'. Kent Taylor provides the romantic interest and the ever polished, suave Taylor (He was Boston Blackie on early TV) gets the same glazed over look that all of Frances leading men do when they look at her. They all look like they are really in love with her and who could blame them? She looks absolutely adorable in this movie! The print that I saw was a little faded, a little grainy but watchable. It would be wonderful to have this movie restored like Warner Brothers did with the Bamboo Blond. Good supporting cast including the omnipresent John Litel in an interesting role. But the movie belongs to Frances Langford. She really lights up the screen!

This is an OK film. I prefer the 1937 version. Its a lot tighter, more heart wrenching. By 1954 Judy Garland starts to get on your nerves doing a Canbelto vocal performance. She's alright I suppose but she's no Frances Langford. The rest of the cast is hardworking, professional, but there is something about this film that just seems a little out of sync. Maybe its because of all the cuts, retakes, backstage bickering and tantrums. James Mason gives a terrific performance, being, what, the fourth actor that was considered for the part? He is especially effective in the beginning in the drunk scene. Very powerful. Amanda Blake, Charles Bickford, Jack Carson and Tommy Noonan round out the cast. The musical numbers are well conceived, the choreography pretty well thought out. But somehow when you put it all together, stir and serve. It seems a little flat. Perhaps a clash of too many star egos? Perhaps I've seen Janet Gaynor and Fredric March too often as they ignite the screen with their star power. A truly great film with more than just flashes of brilliance