Having recently viewed the outstanding Spanish version of Chickens Come Home (Politiquerias), I decided to view the Spanish version of Blotto (La Vida Nocturna). I did this, having read a review stating that, unlike the exceptional performing acts that lifted the former, the really bad acts in the latter served to bring it down. Unfortunately, I have to agree with that reviewer's assessment. The four performing acts were bookended by the pointless opening & closing (& utterly unimpressive!) solo dancers. The horrible second act was a definitely not attractive female (or female impersonator--frankly, I couldn't tell which!) dancer slapping a balloon around until it breaks. There was absolutely nothing redeeming about it, the clothing was beyond awful, & the performance was clumsy in an utterly unfunny way. I've seen kids in a park do funnier things with a balloon without trying. Its my understanding that the performance was meant as an Isadora Duncan ballet parody. As she died in 1927, she must have been writhing in her grave over this sad act! I know it seems as if I'm being mean here, but honestly, what was the casting director thinking when he/she let this act in? I had to watch it twice to make sure it really was that bad!! It was a shame that the following act, a male singer, who was obviously the best of the bunch, was mostly unseen. It was also the one instance where the English language would have helped this gringo to better appreciate the message behind the song that moved Stan to tears!
Despite all of this, I give this film a six out of ten, because the acting performances are all very good. Linda Laredo (who sadly died in 1931 at the young age of 24 from peritonitis!), turns in a very good performance as Stan's cunning & vindictive wife. I did notice though, that she seems to be trying not to laugh during the scene at the nightclub when she's at her table with her rifle. An untrained eye probably wouldn't notice it, however (I watch too many movies, LOL!).
Watching this film & Politiquerias back to back gives one an interesting perspective on how performing acts can raise or bring down the level of a movie. While Politiquerias works on so many levels, La Vida Nocturna is more for Laurel & Hardy completists of which I am admittedly among.
