I wasn't really expecting much out of this film, but I watched it because I think Betty Hutton (and all that happened to her in later life) was quite interesting, and I always enjoy seeing Charles Ruggles. After a slow start, I was quite pleasantly surprised. It's a pretty good movie.
Technically, the Technicolor is beautiful, if in some places a bit gaudy.
The basically true story is of an early performer named "Texas" Guinan, who started her life as an entertainer in a wild west show, moved on to national vaudeville, and was an influential entertainer during Prohibition. The film seems somewhat realistic in portraying her story, which is intriguing.
Whether or not you enjoy the film will probably depend on how you feel about the cast. Boisterous Betty Hutton as Texas Guinan is fine...a role seemingly made for her! She was a decent singer and had real pizazz. Arturo de Cordova is another matter; he plays the love interest. I've probably seen him in other films, but he's pretty forgettable as a leading man; his American career was rather short (and I can see why), after which he returned to Mexican films. Charles Ruggles is as "fun" as ever, although you'll hardly recognize him early in the film as a Buffalo Bill type character, and his importance in the film fades as it progresses. And then there's a character actor I truly dislike -- Barry Fitzgerald -- as Texas' father.
I'm glad to have watched it. It was interesting. I have no desire to watch it again, mostly because of the presence of de Cordova and Fitzgerald.
Technically, the Technicolor is beautiful, if in some places a bit gaudy.
The basically true story is of an early performer named "Texas" Guinan, who started her life as an entertainer in a wild west show, moved on to national vaudeville, and was an influential entertainer during Prohibition. The film seems somewhat realistic in portraying her story, which is intriguing.
Whether or not you enjoy the film will probably depend on how you feel about the cast. Boisterous Betty Hutton as Texas Guinan is fine...a role seemingly made for her! She was a decent singer and had real pizazz. Arturo de Cordova is another matter; he plays the love interest. I've probably seen him in other films, but he's pretty forgettable as a leading man; his American career was rather short (and I can see why), after which he returned to Mexican films. Charles Ruggles is as "fun" as ever, although you'll hardly recognize him early in the film as a Buffalo Bill type character, and his importance in the film fades as it progresses. And then there's a character actor I truly dislike -- Barry Fitzgerald -- as Texas' father.
I'm glad to have watched it. It was interesting. I have no desire to watch it again, mostly because of the presence of de Cordova and Fitzgerald.