Strictly in the Groove

Films like STRICTLY IN THE GROOVE are the reason I continue to seek out and collect obscure b-movies. This is a wonderful combination of comedy (Shemp Howard, Leon Errol, Tim Ryan) and swing music from Ozzie Nelson and his band. Most of the musical numbers are up-tempo and full of exciting solos, and remind us what was so appealing about swing music to the young people of that day. In fact, the film is initially set in a college where the students (led by Ozzie and his friend Bob, played by Richard Davies, who is really the protagonist of the film) talk in outrageous swing jive language and ignore their studies to play music and dance. Davies is a charming and witty leading man-- he's probably best remembered for the Ritz Brothers's disappointing HI YA CHUM and The Andrews Sisters's vehicle PRIVATE BUCKEROO. Ozzie Nelson has a warm and engaging screen presence and reminds me of the young Buster Crabbe. The legendary Franklin Pangborn is priceless as the fussy manager of the resort where Bob is assistant manager and that the college crew turn into a swing oasis. If you want pure entertainment with no time wasted on non-essentials, STRICTLY IN THE GROOVE delivers the goods. Don't miss it!!!