Masks and Memories (1934)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Three-reel film from Warner shows off some of their lesser known Musical acts. There's no question that this was inspired by the 1929 SHOW BOAT but one also wonders what impact this short might have had on the 1936 version considering Queenie Smith has a part here and of course would be featured in the wonderful James Whale version. With that said, what we've got here are several musical acts thrown together in one long short. I'm really not sure why the studio would decide to expand this into three reels. The reason I say this is that they've got countless shorts out there to show off talent in the form of one reels and for those Musicals with story they've got two reels. Why they felt the need to add another reel is beyond me but for the most part the music here is good. I think the highlight is The Day That I Bust Loose by Smith as well as Lillian Roth doing Mardi Gras. The music numbers are pretty good considering I'm sure this thing didn't get much time or money. The most impressive thing is perhaps that ability to make the 32-minute running time go by so fast. I doubt this film is going to turn an older film hater into someone who appreciates the genre but fans of these types of film should enjoy it.
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Three-reel film from Warner shows off some of their lesser known Musical acts. There's no question that this was inspired by the 1929 SHOW BOAT but one also wonders what impact this short might have had on the 1936 version considering Queenie Smith has a part here and of course would be featured in the wonderful James Whale version. With that said, what we've got here are several musical acts thrown together in one long short. I'm really not sure why the studio would decide to expand this into three reels. The reason I say this is that they've got countless shorts out there to show off talent in the form of one reels and for those Musicals with story they've got two reels. Why they felt the need to add another reel is beyond me but for the most part the music here is good. I think the highlight is The Day That I Bust Loose by Smith as well as Lillian Roth doing Mardi Gras. The music numbers are pretty good considering I'm sure this thing didn't get much time or money. The most impressive thing is perhaps that ability to make the 32-minute running time go by so fast. I doubt this film is going to turn an older film hater into someone who appreciates the genre but fans of these types of film should enjoy it.