In this film, Jerome Cowan plays a seedy producer who would rather have flops than hits. Why? He sells more than 100% of the show to his investors. Does this plot sound familiar? This is the basic plot of Mel Brooks' classic "The Producers". However, this film was made 30 years earlier! Now "New Faces" is not nearly as funny or inventive as "The Producers". The plot is only there to hold together the various musical numbers, comedy sketches, and specialty acts which make up the film. By the middle of the film, Cowan has left his show in the hands of young Milton Berle, because Cowan's girlfriend is about to rat him out to his investors. Berle fixes the show.
"New Faces" is filled with 1930s comedians. Joe "Wanna Buy a Duck" Penner is top billed, but it is Milton Berle who really drives the film. Due to his caustic personality and "anything for a laugh" attitude, people tend to discount Berle's comedic abilities. He is truly funny in this film and it is his best cinema showcase until "Always Leave Then Laughing". Also on hand are Harry Einstein (Parkyakarkus)(the father of Albert Brooks and "Super Dave" Bob Einstein), and Bert "The Mad Russian" Gordon. Harriet Nelson, this time without Ozzie, is the leading lady. Teenage Ann Miller has a specialty number. The film also presents various '30s vaudeville performers doing their routines.
"New Faces" is not a great film, but it is certainly enjoyable. I wonder how many times Mel Brooks saw this film!
"New Faces" is filled with 1930s comedians. Joe "Wanna Buy a Duck" Penner is top billed, but it is Milton Berle who really drives the film. Due to his caustic personality and "anything for a laugh" attitude, people tend to discount Berle's comedic abilities. He is truly funny in this film and it is his best cinema showcase until "Always Leave Then Laughing". Also on hand are Harry Einstein (Parkyakarkus)(the father of Albert Brooks and "Super Dave" Bob Einstein), and Bert "The Mad Russian" Gordon. Harriet Nelson, this time without Ozzie, is the leading lady. Teenage Ann Miller has a specialty number. The film also presents various '30s vaudeville performers doing their routines.
"New Faces" is not a great film, but it is certainly enjoyable. I wonder how many times Mel Brooks saw this film!