There is not much actually that's wrong with Pennies from Heaven, other than that the story is very slight and you have no trouble figuring out how it's all going to end and that Madge Evans would have seemed more comfortable if she had more to do. Pennies from Heaven is not a lavish-looking film, nor was that needed. Besides the production values do look lovely, the Haunted House setting is inspired and it is most competently shot and directed. The score has the right amount of whimsy and energy, and the songs will definitely warm your heart. Pennies from Heaven's Oscar-nomination was more than justified as it is a truly appealing song in all respects and is heavenly sung by Bing Crosby. But my personal favourite goes to Skeleton in the Closet, which managed to be hilarious and spooky. The script is appropriately snappy with a lot of heart that doesn't resort to mawkishness. No matter how slight and predictable the story is, it still moves swiftly, it's coherent and the warmth and heart the film has is most endearing. Admittedly, yes it is sentimental, but it knows that and the sentiment is not overly-so. Bing Crosby is reason enough to see any film, and he certainly doesn't disappoint, giving a charismatic and (incredibly) appealingly heart-warming performance and singing beautifully as always. Especially in Pennies from Heaven, which he also gives a very moving quality to. He shares convincing chemistry with Edith Fellows, who does a great job being cute and sassy, she didn't seem that much of a brat to me. Donald Meek is typically wonderful, and seeing early-career Louis Armstrong in Skeleton in the Closet was surprising in a pleasant way. All in all, very charming and entertaining, great for Bing fans. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Pennies from Heaven
