As the film began, I thought, "Here's just another musical with Jack Haley looking lost". Then it opened with these very lovely ladies strolling across the screen pulling curtains of credits. Don't ask me what was in those credits. Straight from the credits is Gene Krupa attacking them skins. I think, "This is a great start. But, it'll be downhill from here."
Then there is an interesting scene of former White Scadals performers leading to a very fun scene of, Joan Davis' daughter, Beverly Wills performing 'Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries'. There's a useless dance scene included. What becomes apparent is this is a broad comedy that someone shoved rather dull dance numbers into. That is what unfolded.
The comedy is not just a few scenes here and there. There is a loosy goosey story that lays the set for a lot of funny scenes and lots of bits often within the comedy bits. These smaller bits are also set within musical numbers. This is a film that has to be watched and listened to.
Aiding the viewing is some excellent camera work making the comedy and music work. The shooting of especially some physical gags is impressively clever.
This film also must've had a bit of trouble with the censors. There is a lot in here not seen otherwise in the decades around this film. I wonder if that might explain the amount of writers involved. I have to imagine the original version went further than seen here and just skated by after rewriting.
The biggest problem is what seems to have been the original main focus of the film, Martha Holliday. She just doesn't have enough "Umph", as they call it, to carry the main role. Joan Davis is, then, clearly the lead.
I believe this is also the most film and screen time Gene Krupa ever had. If you like Krupa, as I do, there is a lot to see here. His last number has some mighty provocative musical instruments attached.
Overall, my main focus of plot is set aside to focus on the successful comedy and fun throughout.
I'd write here that this is the first film with Jack Haley, I liked. Even in Oz, I wish Buddy Ebsen hadn't had allergic issues. Must've been his growing up in Florida.
Bottom line; I recommend this film. 7 out of 10 points.
