Dangerous Nan McGrew

Helen Kane is a person very, very, very few people would remember today. However, as soon as she begins talking in "Dangerous Nan McGrew", you'll likely recognize her as the inspiration for Betty Boop. She looks a lot like Betty but more than that, she sounds EXACTLY like Betty and sings exactly like the cartoon character as well. It's very obvious that the Fleischer Brothers intended their character to be like Ms. Kane--very, very obvious. As a result of this and the silly plot, watching the movie is a lot like watching a full-length Betty Boop cartoon! Kane plays the title character--a combination of Betty Boop and Gracie Allen (since Nan is VERY dumb...but sweet). She and her partner (Victor Moore) are traveling the country selling patent medicine. Her job is to sing and put on shooting demonstrations to bring in the customers.

One day, a dangerous murderer (Frank Morgan--playing against type) insinuates himself into their show--vowing to kill the two if they tell anyone. At the same town, a rich but dim-witted nice guy (Stu Erwin) falls head over heels for Nan and invites her to his home to entertain his family's guests on Christmas eve. What's next? See the film.

While I'll admit that "Dangerous Nan McGrew" often seemed to have little plot or direction, Kane was very likable in the lead. She wasn't the sort of actress you'd want to watch again and again, but here she is very likable and sweet. Not a brilliant film but quite enjoyable.