I rented this movie because of the title and the cast. I was taken with the fact that Kitty Carlisle, Jack Oakie and Carl Brisson (terrific in "The Manxman") were in it, not to mention the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
I can't complain about the thin plot line because I didn't expect much more, to be honest, but I was disappointed with the flat acting and production numbers. This movie really cried out for Busby Berkeley and, I think, Zazu Pitts (I have to admit Dorothy Stickney was excellent at the crazy maid).
All of this would be acceptable if it wasn't for the way they handled the Duke Ellington Orchestra number. It was shameful to give him so little time and use that particular number. But, I think it was reflective of the way the movie was directed. I find it amazing this movie didn't bury Mitchell Leisen's career. I gave it a generous 5/10.
I can't complain about the thin plot line because I didn't expect much more, to be honest, but I was disappointed with the flat acting and production numbers. This movie really cried out for Busby Berkeley and, I think, Zazu Pitts (I have to admit Dorothy Stickney was excellent at the crazy maid).
All of this would be acceptable if it wasn't for the way they handled the Duke Ellington Orchestra number. It was shameful to give him so little time and use that particular number. But, I think it was reflective of the way the movie was directed. I find it amazing this movie didn't bury Mitchell Leisen's career. I gave it a generous 5/10.