Years ago, I read a book that said that William Haines' huge career of the late 1920s and into the 30s came to an abrupt halt because folks pushing for the new Production Code were also concerned about at least cosmetically cleaning up the image of the Hollywood stars. And, since Haines was rather open about being gay, his contract with MGM was dropped and he became a has-been. Well, perhaps this isn't 100% true. First, apparently Haines landed on his feet and became a very successful interior decorator. Second, the once boyish good looks of Haines were not at all evident by 1934. Now, in films like this one and his final picture (also made in 1934), he looks like a very ordinary bank teller sort of guy--with a receding hairline and a bit of a paunch--and quite a bit like Grady Sutton! I think time just caught up with the guy and that would explain his fading from the screen. This would explain why he was now making films for tiny Mascot Films. So, is the paunchier and more ordinary Haines any good in this film? And, since it's from Mascot is it any good at all? Well, at least it is not horrible!
While Haines is the star of this picture, the real stars are the Wampas Baby Stars. Who are these folks? Well, each year from 1922 to 1935, a group of young actresses were chosen by this organization as the stars to look for in the future. A few of the up and coming stars did go on to great fame (such as Clara Bow, Mary Astor and Ginger Rogers)...most just faded into obscurity after the year of promotions was finished. Considering the 1934 lot was the last selected, you wonder if perhaps this film finished them off!
The story itself has to do with Bob (Haines) and his attempt to make his girlfriend, June Dale, a star with Superba Pictures. The studio head is played by Joseph Cawthorn and it's obvious he's meant to be a Samuel Goldwyn-type. He looks almost exactly like Goldwyn and his language is filled with malapropisms just like those attributed to Goldwyn. However, Bob loses sight of June and has practically lost her by the end of the film.
In between there are lost of appearances by the Wampas girls...singing, dancing, lounging around the pool. They seem to be doing just about everything...except acting!! The weirdest moment, however, is the ultra-bizarro song and dance number where the women's partners are all guy wearing super-creepy masks of current Hollywood stars. Then, the women remove the masks and hold them high...much like they were lifting up severed heads following a guillotining!!! It's so sick and strange, it alone makes the film worth seeing. I also liked the funny dance number late in the film when the ladies are dancing...as are the workmen who are nearby. Goofy but also very self-aware and funny. Now I am not saying it's a good film overall...it's very episodic and second-rate. But for folks with a lot of patience, it's worth a look.
