Bright Lights

This film is only funny in a couple of spots, it features mostly static camera, routine burlesque performances, and dated humour. But Joe E Brown is incredibly confident and energetic, generating charisma by the barrelful. Patricia Ellis is quite fetching as the Bad Girl who tries to pry him from Ann Dvorak. Busby Berkeley stages some incredible shots from the ceiling of the theater where the characters are performing, and much of it is so spontaneous it seems like they're making it up on the spot. A lousy comedy, but a very interesting film. The ending scene where Brown returns to his wife's stage performance is as moving as an ending from early Fellini.

I love this film. It moves along very briskly—a strong point in its favor; Joe E. Brown is in front of the camera almost continuously, another major point; and most important of all, he does good stuff. Lots of good stuff. Now I've only seen 13 (!) Joe E. Brown Movies, so I don't know what else might be out there, but of those 13 this is by far the best. It is not a belly-laugh hilarious film, but I don't require that of a "comedy". It IS consistently amusing and the movie absolutely showcases Brown's multiple talents. He runs, he jumps, he falls, he tumbles, he swings through the air; he uses his rubbery face; he speaks in funny voices and dialects; he sings; he pantomimes; he dances—and boy does he dance! Twice! Two beautiful eccentric dances. All this in one film. I think nothing else need be said, but try to find a good sharp print with sound that is in-sync with the picture; and if you like gymnastics, pantomimic full-body comedy and crazy dancing, this is your movie. If you don't like those things, maybe you should put on a good Capra classic.

Joe E. Brown is usually just annoying, but in "Bright Lights" he is often annoying but he is also frequently amazingly impressive, both as an actor and especially as an acrobat.

He has a lot of fairly moronic dialogue, as the star of burlesque and later Broadway, and, worse, as the character who is a performer. Sorry, but most of his allegedly comic routine is more silly than funny.

Ann Dvorak, on the other hand, is not only more beautiful than usual -- and that's saying a lot! -- but she displays dancing ability I've never seen before, and with really attractive legs, and that gorgeous face expresses more emotions than most other actresses I've seen in a while.

She has impressed me for years but, in this performance, she just steals my heart, captures my imagination, and assures my eternal admiration.

In many ways, this is a routine programmer, but Ann Dvorak makes it memorable, and one to watch again.

Independent-minded socialite Claire Whitmore (Patricia Ellis) runs away. Her father enlists the media to find her. A reporter pursues Claire onto a train which has a vaudeville troupe with comedy team Joe Wilson (Joe E. Brown) and his wife Fay (Ann Dvorak). Claire pleads with Joe for help and joins the troupe as a chorus girl. When Joe signs up for a big gig, he is forced to take Claire over Fay for the act.

The first hurdle is the act with Joe and Fay. I actually find it charming and reminds me a little of George And Gracie. It isn't as fun with Claire, but I do get the idea of a famous person being funny just by their presence. This movie is more a showcase for Joe E. Brown's humor. A scene with the acrobats serve no other purpose. The runway scene is really insane. It can't be real especially with the real actor. It must be an in-camera effect. Sure he's doing stunts, but that one is going too far. As for the story, it's not that dramatic. Joe never seems to be the type to stray. It's the slightest of misunderstanding. It may not be dramatic, but there is some fun along the way.

Dazzled by the BRIGHT LIGHTS of Broadway success, a burlesque actor is blinded as to what's really most important in life.

The film career of Joe E. Brown, Warner's rubber-faced comedian, essentially reached its zenith in this very enjoyable little comedy/drama obviously tailored for Joe's considerable skills. All too soon a change of studios would sidetrack Brown into cheaply made movies which would inevitably dim his celebrity. But here, in this backstage show biz story, his talents may still be enjoyed at full throttle.

Although the movie was directed by Busby Berkeley, it includes none of his celebrated dance extravaganzas, focusing instead on personality rather than pulchritude. The film is fortunate in that Brown, presented as a Broadway star, is genuinely funny when engaging in his slapstick humor. Whether dangerously balancing on a balcony rail as part of his stage act, using his tremendous mouth to great advantage while telling a party story about a 'little mousie,' or engaging in impressive nightclub acrobatic stunts with The Maxellos, Joe is never less than hilarious.

Although the focus is firmly on Brown, he is given able support from the rest of the cast: Ann Dvorak as his patient, long-suffering wife; Joseph Cawthorn as a fatherly theatrical troupe manager; William Gargan as an energetic press agent; and lovely Patricia Ellis as a stage bound heiress. William Demarest appears for a few seconds as a determined detective. Best of all is Arthur Treacher, wonderful as Brown's impeccable new valet.

Movie mavens will recognize sour faced Clarence Wilson as a train station clerk.