Going Highbrow

This film is a wonderful example of a rotten plot yet wonderful characters. It appeared as if the film were actually written by two people--one for the plot and one who strictly designed the characters and wrote the dialog. As for the plot itself, it's easy to sum up with one word--"stupid". Instead of trying to describe it, just let it go with that! But as for the characters, I have always been a sucker for colorful character actors and this one has Edward Everett Horton, Guy Kibbee and Zasu Pitts (in a rather restrained performance, thank goodness). And the writers infused these characters with wonderful personalities that were very much in line with their normal screen personas. Kibbee was a not overly bright but decent "normal guy", Zasu played a bumpkin of sorts who wanted "class" and Horton played a rich but decent schemer. Together, they helped to infuse the film with enough warmth and humanity that I was able to overlook the films MANY deficiencies and just enjoy it. While this is certainly NOT a film you should rush to see, it's a very amiable time-passer and a good example of a quality B-movie.

From Warner Brothers B picture unit Going Highbrow finds the newly rich Guy Kibbee and Zasu Pitts trying to break into that beautiful high society Louis Armstrong sang about. In fact they've just bought a Tintoretto and then a castle for it to hang in.

For reasons historians of the 30s can't really explain people went to the movies to see rich people portrayed on the screen. In this case Kibbee is a down to earth sort and Pitts is nice, but with a few airs. I do love the way Kibbee describes how he made his money. He accidentally sold short before the Crash of 1929 something many in the movie theater audience wish they had.

Edward Everett Horton is manager of society denizen Nella Walker's fortune and he hasn't been doing so good lately for her or her son Ross Alexander. But he resolves to make the acquaintance of Kibbee and Pitts because if they like paintings she has plenty.

She also has a bachelor son and if Guy and Zasu only could get a daughter on short notice. That could be solved with the appearance of June Martel a waitress from the cafe across the street.

I think you can tell where this will end up. All the players fill out roles in which they are nicely typecast. You could also add Judy Canova playing Martel's fellow hashslinger.

Two tragedies emerged from this film. Gordon Westcott who is Martel's 'husband' and former vaudeville partner died in a polo match accident. And Ross Alexander's career was cut short by suicide.

Going Highbrow is pleasant viewing for an hour plus especially if you are a fan of one or more of these players.

"Going Highbrow" is entertaining, yes, but it definitely also is lacking an uncertain something. I just couldn't help thinking during the entire film that it was a shame for this notable cast and the attention to production to be pretty much squandered on a story that is so under-developed as well as begging for another edit.

The sets, for example the diner, the hotel, the party venue, and even the streets are filled with extras and appointments that were carefully chosen and liberally placed. Edw Everett Horton gets carried away at times with his antics, but the cast does a credible job here and it is fun to see Ms. Pitts and Mr. Kibbee play their cards. But, gee, a little more care and ten minutes more of exposition here and there could have resulted in a far more satisfying picture. Nonetheless, it should be fun for movie fans of the 1930's to see once.

Not as bad as some here say. A tremendous showcase for Edward Everett Horton. His talking/singing duets with Ross Alexander are marvels of comic timing. Horton was in many better films than this, but few that showcased his talent as vividly. Ross Alexander has several scenes where he carries himself with great poise and comic sophistication. There is evidence here he could have been a stylish leading man had he not killed himself. Little known June Martel is surprisingly fetching as diner waitress, though she fades a little when masquerading as a debutant. The story construction is awful in this film but there is some snappy dialogue. In the end a must-see for Horton's and Alexander's musical numbers.

Every once in awhile I discover an actor that is a revelation. I've seen him or her in other roles but wasn't impressed enough to notice. Watching Ross Alexander I saw a likable, energetic, impressive singer. He puts Dick Powell to shame. After reading his bio I see why he never became a star. What a pity. When he and Edward Everett Horton do their patter songs it's impossible not to smile, stop the DVD and replay them. It was also nice to see Sazu Pitts in a glamor role. At 41 she could play frumps and spinsters 'til the cows come home. This one let her look her best. (If you've never seen her in a Von Stroheim film you don't know how good she could look when properly photographed.) The story is nothing. But the interaction of the characters is extremely well done. If you love 1930s character actors as I do, be sure to catch this film the next time it's on TCM.