Café Concerto

Carl Brisson is a stoker, in jail for putting another man to sleep with a shovel. Jailmate William Frawley gives him a job as a bouncer at his cafe. When a slumming party of the 400 comes by, Brisson has to fill in as a singer, and is a hit; he's offered $2500 a week. He doesn't care. His ambition is to get his officer's papers and his own ship, but would-be girlfriend Arline Judge has her eye on the main chance.... until it turns out that his main chance is as a kept man for Mady Christians.

Brisson's last movie is a weak affair, and the big production number, "Fatal Fascination" is poorly sung by Brisson, and badly choreographed. Indeed, the best musical number has Frawley and girlfriend Inez Courtney doing a rehearsal of "I Won't Take No For An Answer." Also poorly offered is a comedy routine between Brisson and Hedda Hopper (as an etiquette teacher). With poor parts and overedited, it's an unfortunate swan song for its star.

I had not realised until i read his biography on IMB that Brisson was a former boxer.This explains his performance which is so wooden one could imagine that he was a permanent fixture on the Ship featured in this film.Given that this was his last film clearly he must have outstayed his welcome at Paramount.This film is a long step down from his previous "Murder At The Vanities"Given that his best point was his voice it is slightly surprising that he does relatively little vocalising in this film.Further what he does sing is instantly forgettable.The rest of the cast do their best with the unpromising material.William Frawley gives his usual reliable supporting performance.Also seen is Hedda Hopper in what must have been one of her last roles before she took up the pen.All told though a pretty unmemorable film.