Rating: - So awful that it's a delight (and it's a historical document, too)
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In the 1920s, the biggest name on Broadway was Flo Ziegfeld, whose staple (but by no means his only claim to fame) was an annual review called the "Ziegfeld Follies." The "Follies" offered the biggest names in variety and acres of scantily-clad, beautiful girls. His great rival was Errol Carrol who produced a similar show called the "Varieties." Carroll couldn't match Ziegfeld's star power but he offered more girls and even less clothing.
The market crash of 1929 was the beginning of the end for the two Broadway titans. Ziegfeld, true to his time and style had been heavily into the market on margin. He went flat broke and died not long after, leaving his wife, the wonderful actress Billie (the Good Witch Glenda) Burke, to pay off his debts. Carroll struggled along for a few more years. In September of 1933, believing that the day of the huge review show was over, he tried his hand at a ... Read More
Rating: - Beating the Code - and Just Getting There
This pastiche was created just in time to beat the Production Code that would ban most of its content for years to come. It may not be the worst plot in the history of mankind but it is certainly in the running. If Carl Brisson understands English, and there is doubt from his glassy stare during almost all occasions, it is certain that "Sweet Marijuana" was translated from some other set of societal norms. Watching poor old Toby Wing vainly trying to cover her breasts while blood drips on them from the fly above makes one wonder who is stoned during the making of this affair. But Duke Ellington is wonderful and Leisen, who was a set dresser for de Mille, allows his detestation of women to shine forth in unabashed glee. This is an absolute must for devotées of the '30's
Rating: - Unusual Yes, Good No
This strange, uneven little mix of musical and murder mystery is famous mainly for it's musical number "Sweet Marijuana" in which Gertrude Michael sings of getting stoned so her lover, if only in fantasy, will come "back to me", backed by showgirls apparently gowned as marijuana plants!! The song was cut from the TV print for decades and resurfaced in prints for college film theaters in the 1970's mainly as a selling point for the picture!! The number actually is not very good (frankly none of the numbers are with the exception of the Duke Ellington number which has an ugly, violent "comic" ending) but Ms. Michael is the best thing in the picture as a bitchy spurned lover who threatens revenge when old flame Carl Brisson becomes engaged to Kitty Carlisle. Best known as the catty socialite who loses Cary Grant to Mae West in I'M NO ANGEL, Michaels had a dissapointingly short career in major film roles (though she would ... Read More
Rating: - COCKTAILS FOR TWO...
And whacky tobaccy!! A bizarre, thoroughly fascinating excursion into 1934. This uniquely obscure and eccentric film isn't exactly a classic: but it probably merits cult status! Made just after the repeal of Prohibition (December 5, 1933) it legitimately sings the praises of being able to drink like "civilized ladies and men" in the standard by Sam Coslow entitled COCKTAILS FOR TWO. This movie also has an eclectic cast: Victor McLaglen, Jack Oakie, Gail Patrick, Kitty Carlisle, Jessie Ralph, Dorothy Stickney and that beautiful, elusive starlet - Toby Wing (one remembers her scene where she giggles, somehow). Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra provide the musical numbers which also includes SWEET MARIHAUNA, LULL ME TO SLEEP (!). Based upon the play by Earl Carroll and Rufus King, the plotline is obvious: just sit back and become mesmorized watching this high camp done in inimitable style!
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- So awful that it's a delight (and it's a historical document, too)
- Unusual Yes, Good No
