Ted-5
Joined Jan 2001
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Ted-5's rating
The story line is simple: A new program director of the NBG radio network (clearly a parody of the staid BBC) wants to update the programs with new talent. The stuffy powers-that-be are determined to keep dignity and tradition.
Musicals are always hard to rate. In this case, the silly Three Stooges type story line and humor is really glue to hold the production numbers together. The movie is, in fact, a genuine variety show - and some of the acts are quite good. Several routines mimic Busby Berkeley. Others are pure vaudeville.
I'd have to say the high point is the color segment with Alberta Hunter (an African-American who made recordings with Fats Waller). In addition to Alberta's stirring singing, the backup dancers stand on over-sized African drums, to give a surrealistic, dream-like effect. Unfortunately, this was evidently Alberta's only movie.
Another high point for me is the novelty act by Stanelli, a brief segment in which the maestro plays tuned auto horns. But then, I'm a fan of Spike Jones.
As for the comedy bits, I think the funniest moment is the "exercise" program, in which an overweight "coach" leans back in his overstuffed chair, counting out "1-2-1-2..." into the microphone, and pumping a billows in rhythm to simulate his vigorous breathing.
Surely this film is more nostalgic to British audiences than to us Yanks. I'm led to believe the performers were all theater and music hall favorites in their day.
Musicals are always hard to rate. In this case, the silly Three Stooges type story line and humor is really glue to hold the production numbers together. The movie is, in fact, a genuine variety show - and some of the acts are quite good. Several routines mimic Busby Berkeley. Others are pure vaudeville.
I'd have to say the high point is the color segment with Alberta Hunter (an African-American who made recordings with Fats Waller). In addition to Alberta's stirring singing, the backup dancers stand on over-sized African drums, to give a surrealistic, dream-like effect. Unfortunately, this was evidently Alberta's only movie.
Another high point for me is the novelty act by Stanelli, a brief segment in which the maestro plays tuned auto horns. But then, I'm a fan of Spike Jones.
As for the comedy bits, I think the funniest moment is the "exercise" program, in which an overweight "coach" leans back in his overstuffed chair, counting out "1-2-1-2..." into the microphone, and pumping a billows in rhythm to simulate his vigorous breathing.
Surely this film is more nostalgic to British audiences than to us Yanks. I'm led to believe the performers were all theater and music hall favorites in their day.
Some of the funniest "bits" are things I missed the first viewing: As the mummy cases open ominously, the spider strikes an Al Jolson pose, and cries "Mummy!" Also note that as the mummies turn around in their dance routine, they have button flaps on their wrappings, like old-fashioned long underwear. I wonder what else I may have missed? Maybe I should go run it again...
Humor - Pathos - Suspense - Beauty - it's all here in this 8 minute gem! This is one I can watch again and again and again and enjoy every minute of it. A nice foreshadow of great things to come: Fantasia, Bambi, etc.