Reviews
All-American Co-Ed (1941)
Frances Langford is the Show!
To all of the 'experts' on cross dressing, and all of those giggling for a hint of 'gayness' in a seventy year old movie. I realize that being gay is the in thing today. Everybody wants to be gay. Even gay people want to be 'gay-er.' But it wasn't always that way, children. Seventy years ago, a beautiful blond woman stepped up to a microphone and created MAGIC. This movie features Frances Langford who from her first entrance in a movie, raises the quality of any film she is in. If she doesn't make your pulse race, then you don't have one. Must I state the obvious, that this film was made in 1941 for 1941 audiences. 'Some Like it Hot' and 'Tootsie' would come along years later. Lets just watch the 1940's movies for what they are...Sheer Entertainment. No political messages, no social conscience. 'All American Co-Ed' is a fun romp of silliness, spiced with the grand personality and sultry sound of the G.I. heart throb herself, Frances Langford. 'Out of the Silence' is a wonderful song sung so meltingly by Langford. It deserved an Academy Award nomination. It should have won. Is it too late for a recount?
Mississippi Gambler (1942)
Frances Langford Sparkles!
This is a terrific little movie! Suspense, intrigue, murder, romance and the great beauty and charm of Frances Langford. Frances sings a great little number 'There goes my Romance'. A great little tune which deserves to be heard. She also does an upbeat tune 'Got Love'. Kent Taylor provides the romantic interest and the ever polished, suave Taylor (He was Boston Blackie on early TV) gets the same glazed over look that all of Frances leading men do when they look at her. They all look like they are really in love with her and who could blame them? She looks absolutely adorable in this movie! The print that I saw was a little faded, a little grainy but watchable. It would be wonderful to have this movie restored like Warner Brothers did with the Bamboo Blond. Good supporting cast including the omnipresent John Litel in an interesting role. But the movie belongs to Frances Langford. She really lights up the screen!
A Star Is Born (1954)
Just OK
This is an OK film. I prefer the 1937 version. Its a lot tighter, more heart wrenching. By 1954 Judy Garland starts to get on your nerves doing a Canbelto vocal performance. She's alright I suppose but she's no Frances Langford. The rest of the cast is hardworking, professional, but there is something about this film that just seems a little out of sync. Maybe its because of all the cuts, retakes, backstage bickering and tantrums. James Mason gives a terrific performance, being, what, the fourth actor that was considered for the part? He is especially effective in the beginning in the drunk scene. Very powerful. Amanda Blake, Charles Bickford, Jack Carson and Tommy Noonan round out the cast. The musical numbers are well conceived, the choreography pretty well thought out. But somehow when you put it all together, stir and serve. It seems a little flat. Perhaps a clash of too many star egos? Perhaps I've seen Janet Gaynor and Fredric March too often as they ignite the screen with their star power. A truly great film with more than just flashes of brilliance
Observe and Report (2009)
Worst piece of garbage...EVER!
This movie is an absolute Bore! The story is boring, the characters are boring, the scenery is boring, the music is boring, the credits are boring, etc. etc. What did they try to do, set a record for how many times they could drop the F bomb? Is that supposed to shock? offend? It does neither. We've all heard the f bomb so many times it has no effect anymore. It's so 90's. All it does is expose the writers lack of a vocabulary. And Seth Rogen? an actor? He seems like someone they picked off the street, gave him the script and had him do it at that moment. Anna Faris, impressive in some other films, but who was her make up person? She looked like she just walked in from the Bride of Frankenstein. Frightening. And the middle aged flasher? Was he supposed to scare those women? They looked like they were ready to double up with laughter. And the pacing of this movie. There is no pacing, it just limps on and on and on... The one bright spot is that it does end, eventually. Hey Seth, I wouldn't waste my time on that Oscar acceptance speech. By all means...miss this movie
Career Girl (1944)
An Absolute Delight!
PRC...I love the way that logo looks on screen. A group of people without a lot of money putting out movies. It wasn't MGM, it didn't try to be. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn't. This one works. This is really a showcase for the remarkable talents of Miss Frances Langford. Beautiful to look at, delightful to hear. Forgettable songs? Nothing that Frances Langford sang is forgettable. Oh how I wish she had gotten that big movie that she had hoped for! A lavish MGM musical! Sadly, that never happened. In the hands, or should I say the vocal cords, of Frances Langford these songs are most memorable. One of them was written by Morey Amsterdam, brilliant comedian and mainstay of the Dick Van Dyke show. The plot concerns Joan Terry (Frances Langford) sweet country girl in the big city trying to break into show business and torn between pursuing her dream or returning home to marry her boyfriend. I'll not go any further with the plot, I'm sure you can guess the outcome. What is so wonderful about this movie, aside from the gorgeous singing of Frances, is the tight ensemble. The way the cast interacts with each other raising a rather ordinary story into a comedy/drama you can really get into. OK, the big dance number at the end is not always in sync but who cares when you have Frances Langford to see and listen to. Iris Adrian is her delightful, cynical self sticking her nose into everything. Edward Norris, a sophisticated if naive friend/suitor of Joan Terry. Craig Woods a stuffed shirt of a boyfriend from back home. Excellent cameos by Charles Judels and Charles Williams as eccentric Broadway producers. Ariel Heath as the star struck stage struck aspiring actress and others too numerous to mention. Career Girl is what it is...a delightful 1940's musical that entertains. I guarantee that the voice and beauty of Frances Langford will remain with you after seeing this film and that you will return to see it over and over again.
Hot Cars (1956)
Excellent late film-noir
I seem to have a soft spot in my heart or head for B movies of the 30's thru the 50's. I like their fast pacing, attention to the story line, the actors who for the most part are virtually unknown. Hot Cars, if it is known at all today lives on because of the lobby cards featuring the beautiful, and, talented Joi Lansing. This is a really good movie though with great performances by John Bromfield and Joi Lansing. Of course wherever Joi is there is delightful eye candy but make no mistake about it, Joi was a very good actress. This movie gives her a bigger role than just walking across the back drop. It's a real shame she didn't get better roles. John Bromfield is an ideal actor for the role of Nick Dunn who is caught in the middle of the hot car scam. The supporting cast works along with these two stars to form a cohesive ensemble. Something you don't always get in the "Bigger" movies. OK, it's not a lavish movie with a big budget and razzle dazzle special effects. Just a gripping story told in a late film-noirish manner. The actors make you care about what is happening on screen in a most convincing manner. This is a real gem! See it if you can. It needs to be released on DVD.
Collegiate (1935)
Frances Langford saves the day!
This is a regrettably forgettable movie, for the most part. Joe Penner was very popular in the 30's but his type of humor doesn't translate well into our era. I imagine audiences back then were rolling in the aisles with laughter at his antics. Today, we merely roll our eyes and wait for the scene to change. Sorry Joe! What is very interesting is the appearance of the famous song writing duo of Mack Gordon and Harry Revel. They weren't as good actors as they were song writers but they weren't bad either. Jack Oakie is a plus, adding his considerable talent and his timing is excellent. What makes this movie memorable and collectible worthy and worth 6 stars, is the wonderful, delightful songbird, Frances Langford. Frances creates a wonderful character here, shy, vulnerable but with a real determination. Several years before her "makeover" Frances is cute, sweet and oh that voice! She is irresistible as always. "You Hit the Spot" may not be a great song but in the throat of Frances Langford it is pure gold. Mack Gordon and Harry Revel also wrote "Will I Ever Know" the song that inspired me to write my fantasy time-travel romance novel about Frances Langford. The words 'the moment that I see him I will know him, no matter how impossible it seems. I know just what he'll do, I know just what he'll say. We have met before in dreams." Those words inspired, in my book, Frances and my fictional character, Chad Henson to find each other through the corridors of time. Powerful words indeed. Thank you guys! See this movie if you can. It's worth sitting through all of its warts to experience the greatness of Frances Langford.
Hit Parade of 1941 (1940)
1940's "B" Musical gets an A+ Rating!
Ho-Hum, another "B" musical from the 1940's. Right away you just know it's silly and stupid. What a waste of good film! Unfortunately a lot of people are ready to apply these tags upon seeing the title and the year. I feel sorry for people like that because they are missing out on some wonderful films with very talented actors and actresses.
Hit Parade of 1941 stars the beautiful and utterly charming Frances Langford and the smooth voiced Kenny Baker as the girl and boy who find love. Film veterans Hugh Herbert, Mary Boland, Phil Silvers, Patsy Kelly, Donald MacBride, Sterling Holloway and Ann Miller in her first film add their support and strength to make this a real ensemble piece. The pacing of this movie is superb, it moves right along from one situation to another. The score and the song, the beautiful "Who Am I" were nominated for Academy Awards. They should have won! Is it too late to demand a recount? Frances Langford sings "Who Am I" first as a lovely duet with Kenny Baker, and then Frances does it as a solo in that wonderful dreamy voice of hers. Words cannot describe the honeyed voice of this gorgeous woman. By all means see this movie if you can, and make sure it's not the edited version. You don't want to miss a second of this charming movie. Of course it's all a matter of opinion, if you don't like 40's music and musicals you won't like this one...or will you?
Swing It Soldier (1941)
Another Triumph for Frances Langford!
Here we have another gem of a wartime musical comedy! Stars Frances Langford and Ken Murray keep the zaniness going in a case of mistaken identity. Frances plays twins, Evelyn and Pat Loring. Both are radio singers. Evelyn is billed as the "Lovely Lady of Song" and is very successful. However she is expecting a visit from the stork and has to leave her program. Not wanting her boss to know and lose her job, she gets her twin sister Pat to fill in for her. Meawhile her army husband can't come home for the delivery but gets his pal Jerry (Ken Murray)to look out for her as he is being released from the army. Jerry goes to meet Evelyn but instead meets Pat and is shocked that she is going out dancing, horseback riding and romancing a guy from the radio station. Frances Langford lights up the screen with her wonderful smile and treating us to tremendous renditions of 'Melancholy Baby', 'Got Love' and 'I'm Gonna Swing my Way up to Heaven' Ken Murray proves a wonderful scapegoat for all of this misunderstanding. Don Wilson, Jack Benny's announcer is a real presence in a rare romantic role. The rest of the supporting cast featuring Iris Adrian, Hanley Stafford, Thurston Hall, Susan Miller,Skinnay Ennis and Elvia Allman are superb! The direction and pacing of this movie is first rate. Not a dull or wasted minute. But when all is said and done, it's Frances Langford that stands out from all the rest with her combination of beauty, charm, vocal technique that make this movie work so well. Her timing and interaction with the other members of the cast is tremendous. I can never figure out why she was never considered to be a good actress. Her comedy is hilarious and she can deliver a serious line with the best of them. By all means see this movie!...If you can...It is a rarity and needs to be released on commercial DVD...asap!
Beat the Band (1947)
The Wonderful Francis Langford!
This movie is a treat for Francis Langford fans. Looking spectacular, sounding divine, this is a charmingly beautiful little movie. It is fast paced and right to the point. Thats what I love about the movies from the 30's and the 40's. Excellent pacing, whether due to the expertise of the film makers or budget constraints, the films move right along. Philip Terry is a perfect choice for the love interest. Handsome, debonair, and Ralph Edwards is superb as the scheming lawyer. Grady Sutton in a cameo role is his usual bumbling self. Throw in Gene Krupa and his band and you've got an hour of happiness! But its Frances Langford that is the STAR here. Charming, vulnerable, and so gorgeous. No wonder she stole the hearts of GI's and civilians during and after WWII. Highest recommendation!
Hollywoodland (2006)
Missing the mark
I am a child of television. I grew up with the "one eyed baby sitter" Superman was one of my all time favorite series growing up. I remember running home to watch it every Monday night at 7:30. George Reeves was one of my heroes. He still is SUPERMAN for me. No matter how many Superman movies come out, none will ever replace that wonderful 50's series. So it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to Hollywoodland, the story of the death of Superman George Reeves. First of all the sets, costumes, period were wonderfully re-created. Really took me back to the 50's. As to the story itself, what a disappointment. The previews made it look like a blockbuster film (But don't previews make EVERY film look like a monster hit)but the reality is this is one confusing, slow,convoluted mess. I mean at the end of this endless 2 hour movie, I wasn't sure who I was let alone did George Reeves commit suicide or was he done in by one or all of several suspects. The editing of this movie was atrocious, flipping back and forth between real time and past time. The pacing was soooo agonizingly slow, it seemed more like 6 hours than two hours. Is it me or does anyone else feel like todays movies seem to drag on and on? The other day I watched a "noir-ish" film from 1951 with Walter Pigeon titled "The Unknown Man". The suspense was relentless, the story went along at a break neck clip leaving you literally breathless at the end. Hollywoodland leaves you with a big yawn and scratching your head over what you've just seen. George Reeves deserves better than this. 3 out of 10 just for the period feel
The Bamboo Blonde (1946)
Gotta Love that Frances Langford!
I would listen to Frances Langford sing the Albanian phone book. Here we have Frances set in a movie that is perfect for her. Looking absolutely beautiful, appealing, sounding like the Golden voiced song bird that she is. Her voice is almost too beautiful, her delicate phrasing along with her melting pianissimo's makes the heart flutter. Of all the great female singers of the 30's and 40's Frances, all five feet of her, stands head and shoulders above the rest. Frances isn't just a 'pleasant little snack,' she's a full course meal. You keep rooting for her and the flier to get together. There is just enough mischief to keep you guessing. The movie is what it is, an entertaining, morale boosting romp, where all ends well. See this movie, by all means, and be transported into a different time and place
The Best Man Wins (1935)
Perhaps an early film-noir?
The Best Man Wins is one of those films you've never heard of but after you've seen it you are oh so glad you did. The best way to approach films like this is to put yourself in a 1930's mind set. These films are what they are. They are not major productions. They were not intended to be thought of as major productions. They are a group of hard working people doing the best they can with what they have. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but when it does, you have a little gem like The Best Man Wins.These people of the "B" movies are truly the unsung heroes of the film industry. Its time they be recognized for their talent and hard work. Florence Rice shines as the long suffering Ann, torn between two men who really love her. There are many wonderful camera angles on Florence which really bring out her loyalty and vulnerability, not to mention her exquisite beauty. Edmund Lowe as Toby gives a performance that recalls Bogie. The hero who saves his friend but loses his arm in the bargain and becomes ruthless and rather bitter, except when it comes to Ann. Jack Holt, the stalwart recipient of Toby's heroics who remains true to his friend even to the point of giving up Ann and covering for Toby. Bela Lugosi, in little more than a cameo, nonetheless makes his sinister presence felt. A really good plot line that has you really pulling for a happy outcome. If you can see this movie, on TV or VHS or DVD, grab it, its one of the best of this type of film you'll ever see.
Fast Company (1938)
Look out Nick and Nora, here come Joel and Garda
This is simply a terrific movie. Done in the "Thin Man" vein, it is not a cheap imitation, it has a life of its own. Florence Rice and Melvyn Douglas have some real chemistry going on as Garda and Joel Sloane. The entire cast look like they are really enjoying this one. Fast paced and slick, with just enough comedic touches, this movie succeeds in being very entertaining. Florence Rice has never looked more beautiful, as she dishes it out and takes it from Melvyn Douglas who is both witty and charming all the while putting together the clues to solve the murder. Louis Calhern gives a really solid performance as the villain, and veterans George Zucco, Douglas Dumbrille and Thurston Hall add to the drama and the mystery. Claire Dodd and Mary Howard give some more feminine charm to the proceedings, and Nat Pendleton makes an appearance for some comic relief. Throw in a young Shepperd Strudwick as the accused and you have a real find here in this movie. Florence Rice continues to impress as a truly gifted actress, this movie shows again the marvelous talent of this performer and the cruel twist of fate that has left her in obscurity. Hopefully this film will be available on DVD. Should have been the first of a series..........
Borrowed Hero (1941)
Great Florence Rice movie!
Borrowed Hero from 1941 is a fast paced story of a man who is thrust into the spotlight when he apprehends a wanted fugitive. Perfect vehicle for the always lovely and talented Florence Rice. This time Florence is not surrounded by stellar performers, however they are adequate. Florence plays a newspaper reporter in love with the Borrowed hero and is instrumental in bringing the criminals to justice. Never stiff or awkward, Florence brings the same gentle warmth to her character that she does in all of her movies. Tender, cynical, outraged, the loyal girlfriend, she brings it all home. The print I saw is in need of a film restoration, its grainy, very dark in spots, this is a movie that needs to be seen in a good print. These movies are what makes the 30's and 40's come alive.
Cherokee Strip (1940)
Lively Western!
Cherokee Strip has a strong script and a strong cast to put it across. Richard Dix plays the strong but shy Marshal who is trying to keep his mind on "Marshaling" while being attracted to the beautiful census taker, the lovely Florence Rice. Florence looks absolutely beautiful in this movie. One thing I admire about Florence is her believability. No matter how bad the script, she makes you believe in her and her character. This is a very good script however. A strong supporting cast featuring Victor Jory, Andy Clyde move the story along. Look for Morris Ankrum in the supporting role of Hawk. Ankrum would turn up years later on the Perry Mason TV series as a judge in many episodes. One of the best scenes is the one in which Dix and Jory are riding together on a stage coach. Excellent!The Marshal always seems to be one step ahead of the bad guys. Fans of westerns will love this movie. Even if you're not a big fan of westerns, you'll be entertained.
Death Flies East (1935)
Another Great Florence Rice movie!
Florence Rice gives another superb performance in this excellent comedy-mystery from 1935. The story, while being a little outrageous, is nonetheless a very gripping and interesting tale that keeps you interested. I suppose you have to really like old movies to appreciate the style of the day. What i have noticed about Florence Rice is that her acting is not dated or quaint but very believable even tho some of the other actors appear wooden or stuffy. Conrad Nagel, as the man she meets on the plane, also responds to the beautiful Florence. The story is a nurse, Florence, and a doctor are wrongly imprisoned. Florence gets paroled but must remain in California or violate parole. She learns that a criminal in Sing Sing (New York) has information that will clear her and the doctor. She violates parole by flying to New York to try to get a confession before he is executed. Its on the plane that she meets Conrad Nagel. One murder and one attempted murder on the plane cause her real identity to be known. A lot of the story takes place on a commercial airliner. Its interesting to see what a commercial airliner looked like, inside, in 1935. The supporting players are very good, it seems to have been a strong ensemble. None of them are familiar but all contribute positively to the flow of the story. This is another buried treasure. Difficult to find but it needs to be seen.
Girl in 313 (1940)
A real Gem!
I'm a big fan of Florence Rice who made 47 films over a 10 year period in the 30's and early 40's and who toiled in virtual anonymity. My goal is to see all 47 movies. To date I have seen 6 and she has been outstanding in all of them. Not all of the scripts have been outstanding but Florence brings a freshness and enthusiasm for all of them. This is no exception. The Girl in 313 is an absolutely wonderful movie with surprises, twists and turns around every corner. She is teamed here with a co-star from her movie Four Girls in White made a year earlier (1939). There is real chemistry between them. Mary Treen and Jack Carson (yes THE Jack Carson)provide some good funny moments. Look for a young James Flavin in a small role. But its Rice and Taylor that keep this movie filled with energy. One wishes that this movie was longer. I usually complain that films today are too long and bog down, but these little "B" movies of the 30's 40's and 50's are sometimes too short. When you come across as good a movie as this is, excellent script, enchanting leads, solid supporting players, you wish it would go on and on. The Girl in 313 is a buried treasure that needs to be excavated. Its hard to find but there is a DVD out there. Definitely worth seeing more than once
Phantom Raiders (1940)
Great Fun!
Phantom Raiders portrays a crime that is all to possible today, blowing up ships set off by electrical devices. However this was 1940, the era of the wisecracking detective and his sidekick neatly wrapping up the mystery in a little over an hour. What sets this film apart from other movies of the same type is its crackling good dialog, an insidious villain,(Joseph Shildkraut),the suave Nick Carter,(a clean shaven Walter Pigeon), his assistant, Mr Bartholomew (beautifully played by Donald Meek), the innocent ingénue(the captivating Florence Rice). Speaking of Florence Rice, she literally lights up the screen when she is on. At the same time vulnerable, adoring. Listen to the way she says "I love him", talking about her boyfriend, it will melt your heart. Highly recommend!
Miracles for Sale (1939)
Wonderful Romp!
The first time I ever saw Florence Rice, that I know of, was in Four Girls in White. I fell in love with her immediately! Don't let one of the other reviews fool you, Florence was a talented hard working actress with a natural appeal, the girl next door type. She also had a comedy streak in her. She and Robert Young create some real "magic" in Miracles for Sale. (pun intended)Tod Browning brings his directorial good sense to the proceedings. Miracles for Sale is a delightful slice of a bygone era.
Sometimes being born privileged is a drawback. Was Florence the victim of petty Hollywood jealousies keeping her from being the huge star that she showed promise of being? Forty seven movies in ten years, OK they weren't all epics but she worked with some pretty heavy hitters. Perhaps in this day of DVD/VHS and our fascination with nostalgia, Florence Rice can be re-born into the STAR she should have been.
Four Girls in White (1939)
Another reason to watch
Another reason to watch this delightful movie is Florence Rice. Florence who? That was my first reaction as the opening credits ran on the screen. I soon found out who Florence Rice was, A real beauty who turns in a simply wonderful performance. As they all do in this gripping ensemble piece. From 1939, its a different time but therein lies the charm. It transports you into another world. It starts out as a light comedy but then turns very serious. Florence Rice runs the gamut from comedienne to heroine. She is absolutely delightful, at the same time strong, vulnerable evolving from a girl to a woman.Watch her facial expressions at the end of the movie. She made over forty movies, and I am going to seek out the other thirty nine. Alan Marshal is of the Flynn/Gable mode and proves a perfect match for Florence. Buddy Ebsen and Una Merkel provide some excellent comic moments, but the real star is Florence Rice. Fans of 30's/40's movies, Don't miss this one!
The Great Lover (1931)
Simply delightful obscure film
What a delightful movie! For anyone interested in how opera was perceived in the 30's ,this is a must. I heartily urge a DVD release. Adolphe Menjou is superb as the womanizing real life Don GIovanni who finally succumbs to cupids arrow. What a class act. His portrayal is full of ribald humor and sensitivity. Irene Dunne is also superb as the naive young ingénue who will take the opera by storm. There is a host of wonderful supporting players who add to the sparkle of this movie. This is admittedly a very dated film but therein lies the charm. An era of the opera AND cinema is recreated beautifully. This movie will appeal not only to opera fans but also nostalgia buffs. It gives us a sense of operatic and film history. Terrific!