3 reviews
For years only the Vitaphone discs were available for this film, but according to the new book The Dawn of Technicolor, a black and white print is extant. This is yet another encouraging recent example of previously missing movies resurfacing, even if not always in their original form. Any fans of Joe E. Brown and Winnie Lightner should be thrilled by this news, particularly since Lightner's film career was relatively short. Originally a Broadway show starring Bert Lahr, this adaptation is a prime showcase for Brown and Lightner, and it was a big success at a time when interest in musicals were waning Hopefully HOLD EVERYTHING will be made available on DVD before long!
The report in the 2015 book "The Dawn of Technicolor" that a black and white print exists was incorrect. The visuals are still lost as of 2021. That is tragic, as the film's appeal stemmed largely from the physical comedy of Lightner and Brown.
The film elements of this early Technicolor musical no longer exists. The Vitaphone disks, which I have heard, preserve the soundtrack. The musical numbers are great especially the number "When The Little Red Roses Get The Blues For You" which is played several times throughout the picture. The love story between Georges Carpentier and Sally O'Neill is secondary to the hilarious antics of the comedy duo, Winnie Lightner and Joe E. Brown. This picture was adapted from the stage musical of the same name by B. G. DeSylva and John McGowan. Only one song from the stage show remained: "You're The Cream In My Coffee." Dublin and Burke provided the great new songs for the Vitaphone production.