Uncle Sol Solves It

Eddie Lambert is an advice columnist and radio personality. People come to him with problems, and he offers solution.

In the third of three 'Uncle Sol' movies, Lambert deal with four sets of problems which gives the opportunity for four performances: a ventriloquist, a tap-dancing sextet, a decent swing trio, and Beverly Sills singing "Il bacio" at the age of seven.

Miss Sills is the major reason to watch this; she gives a fine rendition at her early age. As for Mr. Lambert, he is described as a Jewish dialect comedian. I've never heard anyone speak like him before, in reality or on the stage. I suppose you could describe him as a malaprop comedian, although not a terribly funny one.

In the 1930s, Educational Pictures made three 'Uncle Sol' shorts and "Uncle Sol Solves It" is the final film. I have not seen the other two films, but the format of this one is supposed to be like "Judge Judy", where Uncle Sol listens to folks' stories and decides who is at fault. In reality, it turns out to be a talent show with a variety of acts, such as singers and dancers. Now, considering this is supposed to be a RADIO show we are watching, it does make you wonder how folks in radioland are enjoying dancing acts!

While such films rarely impress me, this mediocre film is well worth seeing! Why? Because one of the acts is a 7 year-old Beverly Sills...a woman who would go on to become one of the greatest opera stars of the 20th century. She's amazing for a 7 year-old singing opera...though this still isn't such a marvelous thing. But to see her when she's young and in her very first film appearance, well, that makes this one worth your time.