My Favorite Spy

Lovers of 40s big band music must suffer through boatloads of unfunny "comedy" to get to the few crumbs of boogie woogie while those who do not like 40s big band music (like me) must simply suffer.

This film essentially begins with a band director by the name of "Kay Kyser" (played by himself) rushing to a church for his own wedding. Along the way he is informed that he has just been called up into the Army and that he is supposed to report for duty that very evening. Needless to say, his bride "Teresa Kyser" (Ellen Drew) is not too happy with this news but, since there is nothing anyone can do, promises to wait for his return as patiently as she can. Little does she know, however, that his return will be much sooner than expected because, not long after reporting for duty, he is informed that there was a mistake and that another person by that same name was supposed to appear instead of him. Naturally, he is somewhat relieved at first, but it's then that his superior officers tell him that they want to use him as a decoy to trap some German spies who are operating not too far the dance hall where he performs. Obviously, being the loyal patriot that he is, he agrees without any reservations. What he doesn't realize, however, is that his clandestine activities are soon to interfere with his duties as a new husband. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a rather ordinary comedy which suffered, to an extent, from the relatively mild humor in a number of scenes. But having said that, I must admit a certain interest in this particular time in American history and, for that reason, the film kept my attention from start-to-finish. Likewise, although I am not too familiar with many Kay Kyser movies, it's quite possible that there are those who enjoy his films and might find this one to be somewhat entertaining as well. In any case, while I don't consider this to be a good comedy necessarily, I suppose it was worth the time spent, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.

Who could imagine anything more ridiculous than bespectacled 40s big band leader KAY KYSER ever being a spy?? Well, that's the key in this amusing wartime farce, and its strength. Everybody knows Kyser as a benign, southern gentleman from the ultra popular KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE radio show, so drafting him and using him as a spy is the perfect governmental solution! When Nazis are discovered using musical arrangements to broadcast coded messages, Kyser is on the case! Particularly memorable are his two lovely costars, Ellen Drew (she of the PERFECT body and cheekbones)and Jane Wyman as his cohort in spy-dom. Kyser tries to act tough ("Bartender! Stab us with a couple of drinks!")but can't quite rise to the occasion. Perhaps he'll prevail in the end! Great(though not enough) songs! Harry Babbitt sings the perfect 'homesick soldier' song, JUST PLAIN LONESOME, and bouncy Sully Mason the catchy GOT THE MOON IN MY POCKET. People seem surprised to hear Harold Lloyd produced this film. Whaddya they want- Kyser hanging from a clock?? Ish Kabibble (Merwyn Bogue) is first rate in his usual capacity as inane sidekick, but could have been used more. Robert Armstrong (King Kong)is the perfect expressionless American Nazi/tough guy. Out of Kyser's 7 features, this one for RKO, I'd rate this 4 out of 5 stars. More on 'The IL' Professor of Swing at kaykyser.net Fun flick!!

On his way to be married, bandleader Kay Kyser learns from a newspaper article that he has been recalled to Army service. After a hasty wedding he reports to camp only to find that a mistake has been made; what the Army really wants him to do is find out about an espionage ring that is operating out of the Orchid Room, the nightclub where Kyser's big band plays. The unlikely spy's mysterious contact is future Academy Award winner Jane Wyman, and together they help keep the homefront safe for Democracy while Kay tries to keep his neglected bride from bolting.

The kay kyser one, not the bob hope one. Although the hope version is also pretty awesome. Kyser only made thirteen films, and this was right in the middle, during WW II. Co-stars ellen drew, jane wyman. Just as kay gets married to terry (drew), he gets inducted to the military. Undercover, even to his wife. Hijinx ensue, with the usual band member comedy bits, like his sidekick ish kabibble. You'll spot chester clute, who pops up in so many black and white films. And the talented william demarest, in his prime, years before mad, mad world or my three sons! It's a wartime story, with some comedy thrown in, since the u.s. Had just been yanked into the war. Directed by tay garnett, who had been in the service, and had started with sennett and roach. Produced by harold lloyd. It's fun. Silly. And entertaining.