I thoroughly enjoyed Murder At The Vanities, a film I'd only heard about in passing, but now thankfully, it is part of my collection.
Brilliantly conceived and executed by a wonderful ensemble with every role perfectly played. Dorothy Stickney does deserve a special nod as the maid. She is unforgettable.
I've rarely heard Kitty Carlyle sing, knowing her only from What's My Line? And the Song Of Norway cast album. She does very well as the female lead. This is the fifth film of Carl Brisson's I've seen and as usual, he is charming and debonair, with an effervescent personality and a lovely voice. Good use is made of the always dependable Jessie Ralph in a pivotal supporting role and Gertrude Michael as the villainess is a rare find. McLaglen and Oakie make great sparring partners as respectively, the homicide detective and the stage manager, trying to keep an opening night running smooth despite multiple murders off-stage.
Songs: Cocktails For Two; Where Did They Come From?; Live And Love Tonight; Marijuana; Ebony Rhapsody.
Lucille Ball, Ann Sheridan and Alan Ladd are to be glimpsed as extras, both Ball and Sheridan multiple times.
Act One ends about 51 minutes into the action and my print ran a total of 1:29:30.
An absolute delight from beginning to end. I'm astounded it is not better known to the movie public. Don't miss it!
Brilliantly conceived and executed by a wonderful ensemble with every role perfectly played. Dorothy Stickney does deserve a special nod as the maid. She is unforgettable.
I've rarely heard Kitty Carlyle sing, knowing her only from What's My Line? And the Song Of Norway cast album. She does very well as the female lead. This is the fifth film of Carl Brisson's I've seen and as usual, he is charming and debonair, with an effervescent personality and a lovely voice. Good use is made of the always dependable Jessie Ralph in a pivotal supporting role and Gertrude Michael as the villainess is a rare find. McLaglen and Oakie make great sparring partners as respectively, the homicide detective and the stage manager, trying to keep an opening night running smooth despite multiple murders off-stage.
Songs: Cocktails For Two; Where Did They Come From?; Live And Love Tonight; Marijuana; Ebony Rhapsody.
Lucille Ball, Ann Sheridan and Alan Ladd are to be glimpsed as extras, both Ball and Sheridan multiple times.
Act One ends about 51 minutes into the action and my print ran a total of 1:29:30.
An absolute delight from beginning to end. I'm astounded it is not better known to the movie public. Don't miss it!