"The Gang's All Here" is the sort of musical that I have never liked and probably never will like. That's because the film is almost all singing--and the plot is really not very important. The production numbers are amazing to watch and for the first time Busby Berkeley films in color--but without a story, who cares?! Perhaps you will--I just know I need story and characters more than anything else.
Alice Faye falls in love with some guy--while not realizing who he really is. In reality, the guy's family assumes he's going to marry his childhood sweetheart and it sure looks that way. In addition, there is some comic relief from Edward Everett Horton, Carmen Miranda (who inexplicably wants Edward) and Eugene Palette. I really wanted to see more of these comic actors, but again and again, any momentum they's created is derailed by HUGE Busby Berkeley production numbers. These are NOT naturalistic numbers but huge stage productions--in full color and with LOTS of expensive sets. It's really pretty--but nothing more. The plot is weak and I found myself quite challenged to pay attention to this one! If you watch this one (and I DON'T recommend it), look for the banana dance--it is weirdly entertaining. It features Carmen Miranda at her wildest and weirdest.
To me, this film is like a very, very beautiful wedding cake--one that is sweet and pretty but whose flavor really isn't very important.
Alice Faye falls in love with some guy--while not realizing who he really is. In reality, the guy's family assumes he's going to marry his childhood sweetheart and it sure looks that way. In addition, there is some comic relief from Edward Everett Horton, Carmen Miranda (who inexplicably wants Edward) and Eugene Palette. I really wanted to see more of these comic actors, but again and again, any momentum they's created is derailed by HUGE Busby Berkeley production numbers. These are NOT naturalistic numbers but huge stage productions--in full color and with LOTS of expensive sets. It's really pretty--but nothing more. The plot is weak and I found myself quite challenged to pay attention to this one! If you watch this one (and I DON'T recommend it), look for the banana dance--it is weirdly entertaining. It features Carmen Miranda at her wildest and weirdest.
To me, this film is like a very, very beautiful wedding cake--one that is sweet and pretty but whose flavor really isn't very important.