Cinemaníaco

This is a good comedy, possibly Harold Lloyd's best sound movie, and it features a very nice pairing of Lloyd with Constance Cummings. It's also interesting and entertaining as a light commentary on the movie industry of its day, and the ways that it was perceived. The extreme eagerness of Lloyd's character to break into the movies is interwoven with the main romantic plot in some clever ways.

The story has Lloyd's character leaving his Kansas home and heading to Hollywood, where he winds up having a chaotic and very funny romance with a star actress played by Cummings. There are a lot of funny gag ideas, some very nice scenes between the two stars, and quite a bit more, capped off by the kind of funny, exciting set piece that you always hope for as the finale in one of Lloyd's movies.

Cummings is very appealing and enjoyable, and she has a lot of good material to work with, as the script sets up a good contrast between her screen character and her real personality. This contrast is used very creatively in the plot, and the effect is aided considerably by how well Cummings and Lloyd work together in all of their scenes. The actress's affectionate nickname of 'Trouble' for Lloyd's character works well, too. Their interplay is the best part of a good comedy that also has a lot of other things working for it.

MOVIE CRAZY certainly is one of the best Lloyd's Talkies. From the opening gag on there are so many enjoyable moments only Lloyd knows how to provide. The screen test scenes are among the highlights. As always gags are very tightly built. Lloyd also handles the dialogue and timing pretty well; but Constance Cummings portrays a dominating, intelligent female lead that is rare in Lloyd's movies. Only complaint: if the high rise sequence in Feet First is recycled from Safety Last, the fighting-in-the-water scene here certainly looks familiar as well-from The Kid Brother. It's also a bit long and excessive.

An entertaining little film. I recommend watching it without thinking of the silent film star Harold Lloyd, or measuring his performance to some expectation you may have. Just enjoy a nice little romantic comedy with a beautiful leading lady, some behind the scenes looks at Hollywood sets from the day, and some funny gags. Nothing hysterical, but clever and had me chuckling at times.

Constance Cummings is fantastic in what is practically a dual role here. She plays a Hollywood actress that Lloyd falls for in her Spanish makeup, and befriends in her 'normal life'. Of course, the latter isn't until after he's lost a shoe in the rain, splashed mud all over her, and wrecked the top of her convertible, in a very nice sequence. She takes pity on him, nicknaming him 'Trouble', and is drawn to his unaffected, honest way. That honesty is put to a test, however, when she questions him about his interactions with the 'Spanish actress', knowing full well what he's said and done with her. These scenes where she tests Lloyd's loyalty are excellent, and the dialogue and emotions between the two are highly authentic. There is a certain sweetness to the film, but it's not cloying.

As for gags, the attempts Lloyd's character makes to get into the film industry are amusing, starting with being an extra in a scene practically moments after he's gotten off the train into town (lol), and continuing on to a screen test with 26 takes. The actress in the screen test with him (Mary Doran) is motivated because of a past slight on her sex appeal, but after she says to the director "Then lead me to it, baby! I'll show you flame enough to burn that bird up alive", he proceeds to stumbles all over, and can't manage to even answer the phone in the scene without destroying the set. The scene at the party where Lloyd is inadvertently wearing the magician's coat is probably the funniest, as its contents (eggs, mice, rabbits, etc) are dispensed one by one.

The film is well put together and has some interesting camera angles. I found it interesting that Lloyd had to direct quite a bit of it because credited director Clyde Bruckman was regularly intoxicated. The film isn't the pinnacle of Lloyd's career or the best of the pre-Code comedies you'll find, but it's solid and worth seeing.

Littleton, Kansas resident Harold Lloyd (as Harold Hall) is "Movie Crazy", much to the dismay of his parents. He writes to a film studio after reading, in a movie magazine, that "Hollywood is looking for new faces." Mr. Lloyd mistakenly sends the wrong face to "Planet Film Company"; and, they invite the handsome hunk to Hollywood, for a screen test. In tinsel town, Lloyd falls for not only the cameras, but also starlet Constance Cummings (Mary Sears).

Lloyd sounds great, in a worthy talkie… at last. It's not the best (or most original) story around, but "Movie Crazy" has some terrific moments. Lloyd's early adventures on the set, and losing a shoe in the rain are very nicely done. Ms. Cummings is a cunning attraction, delightful in almost a dual role; she and Lloyd make a good couple. An even better partner helps lighten the film considerably, when Lloyd makes "magic" with dancing partner Louise Closser Hale (as Mrs. Kitterman). Rats!

******* Movie Crazy (8/12/32) Clyde Bruckman, Harold Lloyd ~ Harold Lloyd, Constance Cummings, Kenneth Thomson

Harold Hall (Harold Lloyd) is movie crazy, so much so that he sends a photo of himself (or so he thinks) to a movie executive hoping for a chance to get his foot in the door. With a photo of a different man, the executive encourages to come to Hollywood for a screen test, but Hall's anxiousness does not translate well to the people there. He ruins films in which he is simply an extra, destroys the executive's office, and yet somehow manages to win over a budding actress (Constance Cummings).

Movie Crazy is a disappointment after hearing rave reviews and seeing several wonderful Lloyd talkies. It has its moments, but it is by no means a great film. As an early talkie, it shines. There are some silent moments, but the camera is hardly static and some of the dialogue is very funny. However, as a film from master comedian Lloyd, it lacks. Too many of the jokes seem familiar and dull, some having been used in silents. Also, the timing is completely off for most of them, making them difficult to laugh at.

Watch this film expecting to have fun, but not expecting to see a favorite. It will entertain you for the night at least.