I appreciate the modest but visually fetching set design and decoration, and costume design. I appreciate the directness of the plot - certainly in terms of notably lacking subtlety, but more so by way of maintaining a brisk pace. I like the concept of the plot, though the antagonism of character Pa Jackson feels wholly contrived, more "plot device" than "authentic." In a way not too dissimilar, there's an unmistakable sense in the arrangement of each scene, the pacing and basic execution - most often and especially (though not always) when any degree of violence is involved - of how very staged the production is. 'Shine on, Harvest Moon' aims for rudimentary entertainment in the essence of the tale being told, not any feeling of realism. There's no questioning that this is purely intentional, and an affect of director Joseph Kane's style: he has a substantial list of credits to his name, after all, and the same rather stilted, almost wooden lack of genuineness also comes across in many of the performances, which I can only assume is a result of Kane's guidance and oversight. Truly, this is a movie of simpler amusement, for a simpler time.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, of course. However, to visit titles of this tenor, in this time frame, more than 80 years on, is an experience that's more than a little jarring. Then factor in the frequent inclusion of songs (if not also some dance), as was common to not just a lot of western films of the period but those of Roy Rogers specifically, and watching 'Shine on, Harvest Moon' becomes a slightly bewildering experience. It's not at all bad - it is enjoyable, truthfully - and I admire the work that all involved put into the feature. Moreover, while there's a lot of unconvincing acting on hand, this isn't to say that the cast is without any skill. Despite the ham-handed of the production, accentuating fundamental diversion over robust movie-going reward, at some points we do see some swell glimmers of range and nuance denoting the capabilities the actors would show in a less strictly regimented title. And, though I'd be lying if I said the music weren't a bit overbearing, there's also no denying the talents of the players in singing and playing instruments.
A rip-roaring tour de force and cinematic masterpiece this is not. But recognizing the approach here to film-making and storytelling, peculiar and idiosyncratic as it seems in 2022, I can't say the film isn't well-made for what it is. It's also well worth noting that the climax is really quite well done, unexpectedly invigorating as it presents. Now, any viewer who isn't greatly enamored of westerns, old Hollywood at large, or someone in the cast has no major reason to give this a try, and even for ardent cinephiles open-mindedness is a prerequisite. Yet if one is receptive to all the wide variety that decades of movie magic have to offer, then this is a fair way to pass one hour. Not the most absorbing and fulfilling picture, no - but 'Shine on, Harvest Moon' serves its intended purpose as a fun if kitschy slice of cinema, and that's good enough for me.
