Micro folies

This is Kyser's first film and it sparkles with bounce and personality. Credit director Butler for keeping things moving, and band members for showing that making music is not their only talent. Kyser himself is a delight with real comedic skill. I like the way he allows his plain looks to blend into the story-line; at the same time, it's rather refreshing to see a less-than-handsome face in the starring role. And, of course, there's the lovely and toothsome Ginny Simms, singing her way into my heart, at least. I gather Kyser's band were not concert performers like Goodman's, Dorsey's or Miller's, but were more for fun and sheer entertainment. They certainly succeed here.

The story itself amounts to a clever spoof on movie-making, with Menjou as the studio schemer, and includes assorted real-life gossipers of the day like Hedda Hopper. And, oh yes, mustn't forget the hilarious screen test, where Lucille Ball matches Kyser pratfall for pratfall. Knowing how her career will eventually turn out, this is a tasty glimpse of things to come. Then there's the old gal who plays Grandma (May Robson) who is a real hoot with genuine sass and sparkle. We also get about 20 minutes of the Kyser radio show Kollege of Musical Knowledge. It's enlightening for those of us not old enough to remember; however, I think 10 minutes would have been enough. Nonetheless, the movie never drags, and is really a lot more fun than many other musicals featuring bigger name bands and celebrities. All in all, "That's Right..." amounts to an unexpected movie delight.

THAT'S RIGHT, YOU'RE WRONG is the first Kyser feature (there were 7) and I think his best. The plot is rather formulaic, but with a couple of cute twists. I recently purchased director David Butler's script (I'm a Kyser 'kollector') and followed along as i watched the film. There was a song cut, and dialogue as well. Turns out Louella Parsons and then columnist Ed Sullivan were to be in the film alongside Hedda Hopper, Jimmy Fidler et al. Songs are great, band great, Lucille Ball great. Could be this is a bit corny by today's standards, but who cares? It's a fun, innocent flick that presented all the (then) on-air radio characters of the extremely popular Kyser band- Ish Kabibble, Harry Babbitt, Ginny Simms, and Sully Mason, as well as Kyser, visually for the first time.

If I could rate this movie higher than a 10, I would. May Robson does a wonderful job at playing Kay's Grandma. She has told Kay several times to "stay in his own back yard". Well, that is some good advice that we all should listen to. The musical scene that the gang does for Stacy Delmor, played by Adolf Menjou and Tom Village, played by Edward Everett Horton is a riot. Everyone should see this movie. It is timeless with it's puns, it's laughs and it's music. Sandra Sand played by Lucill Ball, well all I can say is that part suits Ms. Ball. I would say that out of all of the Kay Kyser films I have seen (few as they are) this one is my favorite. You'll have to watch this film to see exactly what I am talking about. To para-phrase one of Kay's other movies... "You'll Find Out"... do watch this when you can.

THAT'S RIGHT, YOU'RE WRONG is the first Kyser feature (there were 7) and I think his best. The plot is rather formulaic, but with a couple of cute twists. I recently purchased director David Butler's script (I'm a Kyser 'kollector') and followed along as i watched the film. There was a song cut, and dialogue as well. Turns out Louella Parsons and then columnist Ed Sullivan were to be in the film alongside Hedda Hopper, Jimmy Fidler et al. Songs are great, band great, Lucille Ball great. Could be this is a bit corny by today's standards, but who cares? It's a fun, innocent flick that presented all the (then) on-air radio characters of the extremely popular Kyser band- Ish Kabibble, Harry Babbitt, Ginny Simms, and Sully Mason, as well as Kyser, visually for the first time.

Yes, I know Lucille Ball is in this movie, but if you blink, you'll miss her. She's in one mildly funny scene.

Otherwise, this movie revolves around band leader Kay Kyser. He's an engaging guy, so he more or less carries the picture.

What he doesn't carry is the musical numbers, which are all forgettable and can be skipped. Given that there are a fair number of them, that's unfortunate.