Mild low-budget musical version of what was once a popular radio program tries to tell too many stories during its running time.
What it does show is how some people were perfect for the airwaves and wrong for film. For instance singer Andy Russell, who sings his biggest hit Besame Mucho, has a beautiful expressive voice but when the camera focuses on him his face is a blank and he exudes minimal charisma. The same can be said for the program's host Tom Breneman whose only film appearance this was, he's bluff and gregarious and it's not hard to imagine him being entertaining on radio but he wasn't suited to film.
The overstuffed narrative at least provides the chance to see three excellent character actresses, Billie Burke, Beulah Bondi and ZaSu Pitts and then proceeds to waste them in plot lines that go nowhere or are foolish.
Really the best recommendation for the film is that it allows the audience two performances by the Nat King Cole Trio who unsurprisingly are wonderful. One element that was a simple throwaway shot at the time but now is a jaw dropper is the sign outside the nightclub where we first see the Cole Trio advertising that they are appearing with no cover charge. Considering the ludicrous prices now to see even the most average musicians the idea of being able to just walk in and see Nat King Cole for free is mind boggling.
Watch it for the music and occasional glimpses of Hedda Hopper and her crazy hats but don't expect too much.
What it does show is how some people were perfect for the airwaves and wrong for film. For instance singer Andy Russell, who sings his biggest hit Besame Mucho, has a beautiful expressive voice but when the camera focuses on him his face is a blank and he exudes minimal charisma. The same can be said for the program's host Tom Breneman whose only film appearance this was, he's bluff and gregarious and it's not hard to imagine him being entertaining on radio but he wasn't suited to film.
The overstuffed narrative at least provides the chance to see three excellent character actresses, Billie Burke, Beulah Bondi and ZaSu Pitts and then proceeds to waste them in plot lines that go nowhere or are foolish.
Really the best recommendation for the film is that it allows the audience two performances by the Nat King Cole Trio who unsurprisingly are wonderful. One element that was a simple throwaway shot at the time but now is a jaw dropper is the sign outside the nightclub where we first see the Cole Trio advertising that they are appearing with no cover charge. Considering the ludicrous prices now to see even the most average musicians the idea of being able to just walk in and see Nat King Cole for free is mind boggling.
Watch it for the music and occasional glimpses of Hedda Hopper and her crazy hats but don't expect too much.