Breakfast in Hollywood

Charming simple radio show on film from an era when housewives loved portly radio stars who liked to gossip, matchmake and have a hat contest...(he wore the winner's) The music numbers a good, the standouts being a handsome young Nat King Cole and the always hilarious Spike Jones. Many such B grade 70 minute films were made to capitalize on radio hit parade tunes and personalities and like those this one is a product of it's media and time. RKO made a terrific form of this radio film in 1932 called THE PHANTOM OF CRESTWOOD which was a radio serial yet without an ending: so they filmed the last episode and everyone had to go to the cinema to see the end of the radio show. Probably the first time this cross medium was used leading to the bright and profitable idea that led to BREAKFAST IN Hollywood. Monogram and Republic Pictures often made films titles HIT PARADE OF 1941 or 46 or 50 using a roster of radio stars and pop tunes. BREAKFAST doesn't sparkle like TIFFANY's did but is is easy musical fun for (grand) Moms everywhere

This unpretentious film with a remarkable cast features one of the last movie appearances of Bonita Granville, who deserves rediscovery through everything from the newly released "Nancy Drew" DVDs to a very effective performance in "These Three." Here she boosts a simple programmer with charm and conviction.

It's also a film where such contrasting acts as Spike Jones and Nat King Cole appear,and as bonus there's Hedda Hopper, who I always thought had a very interesting screen presence. I'm not familiar with the radio program the film ostensibly showcases, but it was evidently a popular fixture in its day. But it's Granville who anchors the film with her appealing manner and sincere acting.

To demand greatness of a film like this is to misunderstand the function of a programmer. Breakfast in Hollywood is popcorn for the mind, a pleasant interlude with some great characters actors (ZaSu Pitts, Beulah Bondi, Billie Burke, Raymond Walburn, Hedda Hopper) and a chance to see Nat "King" Cole and the King Cole Trio on the screen very early in his career (though carefully segregated from the rest of the cast.) Spike Jones does two numbers with the City Slickers, a wartime romance provides a bit of drama although the war is technically over, and there is even a cute dog. The inimitable ZaSu Pitts is worth the price of admission all by herself! The plot, such as it is, is a sort of comedic Bridge of San Luis Rey, following the lives of A HALF DOZEN people attending the radio broadcast. The stories are funny, romantic, or dramatic -- and no one dies at the end! Pure escapism, nicely done.

I occasionally comment on films I find interesting, and it always comes down to- either you 'get' it or you don't. I have a sneaking suspicion those that don't are younger viewers. It was common practice in the 30s and 40s to take a popular radio show and bring it to the big screen. Why? For profit, of course. This being pre-TV, it also created the opportunity for radio listeners to see their favorite performers. These were pop movies, 'programmers'- meant to make a quick buck and capitalize on a radio show's popularity. I find many of them sweet, though not the best quality. Where else are you going to see Tom Breneman, a popular host of BREAKFAST IN HWOOD? The plot of BIH is completely unrealistic (fine w/ me)in that it has Brenemen getting involved in the lives of several of the people that come to see his show. Doesn't know them of course, but wants to help anyway! I found him affable and pleasant- just the kind of host you'd want to listen to shortly after waking up. Other reviewers have told the plot, so I'll stop here. Worth seeing for nostalgia fans, and that's a darn good reason!

There's only one thing good about this movie--actually two--the inclusion of special musical guests Nat King Cole and his Trio and Spike Jones. Anyone who likes the nostalgia involved with Spike and his crazy band of loonies, will be happy to know that there were no electronic gimmicks used in these performances.

Every pistol shot, gurgle, burp, and every other noise is supplied live and in real time by Spike and members of his crew. The fact is, these were top notch professionals who were highly trained in their art. They went through hours of rehearsal just to get their parts down right.

That's all I can say about the film which is now in a box set of 49 other "musical" films from the 20s-to the 60s...