Betty Hutton (as Pearl White) works in a clothing factory; she sings to her co-workers, and dreams of stardom. When famed stage actress Constance Collier (as Julia Gibbs) comes in for a costume, Ms. Hutton reveals she is a fan. Since Ms. Collier doesn't have the $98 for an ordered garment, Hutton offers to deliver it to the troupe, and retrieve payment. There, Hutton receives no $98 (nobody has the money); instead, she is invited to audition for "The Farrington Players" a Shakespearian troupe. Although she can't act, handsome John Lund (as Michael "Mike" Farrington) hires her. Of course, they fall in love. After Hutton ruins one too many plays, she leaves "The Farrington Players", and gets a job working for William Demarest (as George "Mac" McGuire) in the fledging motion picture industry. At "Artcraft Pictures", Hutton becomes a big star, in movie serials like "The Perils of Pauline". BUT, stardom has its pitfalls
This is a very glossed over version of silent film actress Pearl White's life.
Hutton plays well in the re-created "silent" scenes; though neither she nor the script offer any real characterization. Billy De Wolfe (as Timmy Thompson) is good in a supporting role; he inexplicably teaches her how to "project" after her very successful stage audition (again, it's the script). De Wolfe would have made a nice rival for Hutton's affections. Collier steals the show, and she gets to say, "Greetings, fellow thespians!"
An early song, "The Sewing Machine", is performed poorly by Hutton - you would have the impression she can't act or sing... However, she sings and performs the additional songs well. "Rumble, Rumble, Rumble" is the musical highlight. If you think you've heard "The Sewing Machine" somewhere, it's really just a re-make of "McNamara's Band", which was a big hit for Bing Crosby when this movie was being made. Possibly, the filmmakers liked it, and ordered up a swipe. If you're watching for original silent screen actor appearances, like William Farnum, don't blink.
***** The Perils of Pauline (7/4/47) George Marshall ~ Betty Hutton, John Lund, Constance Collier, Billy De Wolfe
This is a very glossed over version of silent film actress Pearl White's life.
Hutton plays well in the re-created "silent" scenes; though neither she nor the script offer any real characterization. Billy De Wolfe (as Timmy Thompson) is good in a supporting role; he inexplicably teaches her how to "project" after her very successful stage audition (again, it's the script). De Wolfe would have made a nice rival for Hutton's affections. Collier steals the show, and she gets to say, "Greetings, fellow thespians!"
An early song, "The Sewing Machine", is performed poorly by Hutton - you would have the impression she can't act or sing... However, she sings and performs the additional songs well. "Rumble, Rumble, Rumble" is the musical highlight. If you think you've heard "The Sewing Machine" somewhere, it's really just a re-make of "McNamara's Band", which was a big hit for Bing Crosby when this movie was being made. Possibly, the filmmakers liked it, and ordered up a swipe. If you're watching for original silent screen actor appearances, like William Farnum, don't blink.
***** The Perils of Pauline (7/4/47) George Marshall ~ Betty Hutton, John Lund, Constance Collier, Billy De Wolfe