The Romance of Robert Burns

James Fitzpatrick produces a sort subject about Robert Burns, with particular emphasis on his alleged writing of "Auld Lang Syne" in this handsomely produced short subject.

Although Fitzpatrick is better remembered for producing and narrating his "Traveltalks" series for MGM, his earlier short subjects were mostly about composers: a difficult subject to make films about during the silent era. Even some of his early Traveltalks had music-themed titles like IRELAND "THE MELODY ISLE".

The best part of this movie is the beautiful Technicolor camerawork by specialist Ray Rennahan.

This is a strange short film from Warner Brothers. It's strange because it's obviously a quality production--filmed with nice sets and beautiful Technicolor (which was still quite rare in 1937). But, on the other hand, the writing is really dreadful. It's supposed to be a biography of the career of Robert Burns but comes off as VERY fake and silly. Too often people will stop to comment that young Burns will one day be a great poet of the ages. No one talks like that...ever. And too often people seem to give expositions about Burns or what the film hasn't covered--it all comes off as very fake and silly. My assumption is that the short was written by penguins...and really untalented ones at that! Rarely will you hear dialog so limp and unconvincing--so bad that you cannot be taken in by the polish of the rest of the film. Pretty dumb.

Let me just say that while I found some of the dialogue limp and static (like the woman asking if you'll say you love me like a poet or a man), for the most part I actually like this short about Robert Burns, the man who wrote that theme of New Year's Day-"Auld Lang Syne". The Technicolor was nice and the music score was beautiful. The story was good enough for the brief running time. This was on the Hollywood Hotel DVD though I have to admit I was a bit puzzled for the inclusion there. Perhaps because of the release date (1937) and also possibly because it was one of the "Selected Short Subjects" shown before that particular feature. Whatever the reason, The Romance of Robert Burns was a nice enough short film to watch.

Romance of Robert Burns, The (1937)

** (out of 4)

Technicolor short from MGM tells the story behind Robert Burns' famous song Auld Lang Syne. It should go without saying that poor Robert wrote the song after a love gone wrong. The film looks terrific and director Wilbur really brings out all he can in the color department but the story is just was too over dramatic. The love story becomes quite laughable after a while. Owen King plays Burns.

You can usually catch this on Turner Classic Movies as part of their Oscar month or Festival of Shorts series.