Younger folks don't know who Joe E. Brown was. It's a shame because he was one of the brightest of all the film comedians in the early years of Hollywood. I think this may actually be his best film, and he certainly makes the most of it -- both in terms of acting and physicality.
Brown and Ann Dvorak play burlesque vaudevillians back in the day when burlesque was more respectable. He as the drunk who interrupts her singing act. What he does in these segments is nothing short of magnificent. And then he is discovered, along with an heiress played by Patricia Ellis, who happens to have a great singing voice. Broadway beckons, but want Joe and Patricia, not Joe and his wife. But, his wife encourages him. However, over time, Joe falls for Patricia and his wife returns to burlesque. That's where Joe's fine acting comes in. Between Joe and Ann, they really make this film work.
One of the most amazing segments is when Joe gets caught up in a acrobat act at a nightclub. Just about the most amazing acrobats I've seen, and Joe works right in there with them. And it is him -- he was acrobatic and a great physical comic.
The ending is a bit too ideal, but it works.
Joe E. Brown is fantastic here, as is Ann Dvorak in a role atypical for her. Patricia Ellis has a great singing voice, although I was not familiar with her. William Gargan is a promoter/agent, and Joseph Cawthorn is very good as a burlesque troop manager. Arthur Treacher is along as what else -- a butler (of course).
Is this film really an "8"? No. But since it may be Joe E. Brown's best film, that's what I'm giving it. Take it as a lesson in perfection in the field of great comics.
Brown and Ann Dvorak play burlesque vaudevillians back in the day when burlesque was more respectable. He as the drunk who interrupts her singing act. What he does in these segments is nothing short of magnificent. And then he is discovered, along with an heiress played by Patricia Ellis, who happens to have a great singing voice. Broadway beckons, but want Joe and Patricia, not Joe and his wife. But, his wife encourages him. However, over time, Joe falls for Patricia and his wife returns to burlesque. That's where Joe's fine acting comes in. Between Joe and Ann, they really make this film work.
One of the most amazing segments is when Joe gets caught up in a acrobat act at a nightclub. Just about the most amazing acrobats I've seen, and Joe works right in there with them. And it is him -- he was acrobatic and a great physical comic.
The ending is a bit too ideal, but it works.
Joe E. Brown is fantastic here, as is Ann Dvorak in a role atypical for her. Patricia Ellis has a great singing voice, although I was not familiar with her. William Gargan is a promoter/agent, and Joseph Cawthorn is very good as a burlesque troop manager. Arthur Treacher is along as what else -- a butler (of course).
Is this film really an "8"? No. But since it may be Joe E. Brown's best film, that's what I'm giving it. Take it as a lesson in perfection in the field of great comics.