brennanjp

This is a pretty standard issue early musical, and I happen to like the type. Charles King is good, Irene Delroy, whom I hadn't seen before in a musical role, has a good voice but a bland personality. I'm a fan of Lowell Sherman, and he doesn't disappoint here in a small role. He plays it to the hilt. The major problems, and the reason for my low rating, are Olsen and Johnson. I've liked them in other movies, even other early movies (they're quite good in "Gold Dust Gertie"), but they're just awful here. Obviously, Warner Bros. was aiming for a new Wheeler and Woolsey, but it didn't happen. Charles Judels also has a typically annoying scene during one of the better songs. I recommend this movie for fans of early musicals or of Charles King and/or Lowell Sherman, but you'll have to fast forward through the Olsen and Johnson parts, which alternate with the main plot parts.

I was reading the reviews on here and generally agree with them regarding the story and acting, but it seems no one has seen this in 3-D. I did a few years ago, the only 3-D movie from the 50s that I've seen as intended. The 3-D makes all the difference. The plot is still nothing special, but from the RKO logo in 3-D with the letters popping out at you to the cable car scene at the end, it is at least visually memorable in 3-D. The scenery in Mexico is especially nice with the depth, and of course the cable car scene is another matter with the 3-D effects. This is well worth seeing if you ever get the chance to see it in 3-D, even with the annoying glasses. There was an intermission when I saw it to give your eyes a rest.

I saw a very murky, dark print (the film can be found), but it still engaged me completely, which is saying something given the condition of the print. I'll admit I'm a Constance Bennett fan, and this was made during her peak years. A social climbing girl finds out she was illegitimate and why, but doesn't realize she is guilty of the same superficiality as her mother. She follows the same path... I won't say more to not give away the story, but while the ending may be expected, it is an entertaining path getting there. There are no early 30s melodramatics here, the acting was quite good and I think it's the only opportunity to see Constance Bennett playing opposite here father Richard. If you like early talkie drama, this is highly recommended.