This is a extremely funny and entertaining picture which should be restored and released. Ideally, TCM would feature it followed by Singin' in the Rain (1952) and Being There (1979) -- since it foreshadows both of them.
The Plot: Sensing an opportunity for advancement as pictures shift from silent to sound, three Vaudeville partners head west to Hollywood. George (Jack Oakie), who plays a dog in their act, is an amiable dunce. However, in the eyes of grossly incompetent studio officials, he comes to be considered a genius, while talented and competent people (Onslow Stevens as Lawrence Vail and Aline MacMahon as May Daniels) are ignored or fired.
The acting: Three stand-outs are Jack Oakie (his second greatest performance), Aline MacMahon (as the act's brains and conscience), and Onslow Stevens (as George S. Kaufman's alter ego).
The Plot: Sensing an opportunity for advancement as pictures shift from silent to sound, three Vaudeville partners head west to Hollywood. George (Jack Oakie), who plays a dog in their act, is an amiable dunce. However, in the eyes of grossly incompetent studio officials, he comes to be considered a genius, while talented and competent people (Onslow Stevens as Lawrence Vail and Aline MacMahon as May Daniels) are ignored or fired.
The acting: Three stand-outs are Jack Oakie (his second greatest performance), Aline MacMahon (as the act's brains and conscience), and Onslow Stevens (as George S. Kaufman's alter ego).