This is a musical-romance-scifi-comedy. Here's what to look for: (1) Musical. I like the fact that this 1930 film comes off with the gaiety of the Roaring 20's rather than with any Depression-era moroseness. However, the songs themselves seemed weak, and somewhat squalid at points. The dance numbers were not bad at all. The drinking song on board the zeppelin, and the Martian god dance were highlights.
(2) Romance. The plot here was nothing special, simply two men fighting over one girl, to be decided by their achievements in life, a consequence of future law. Maureen O'Sullivan was earnest but not particularly charming. Neither the hero, Garrick, nor the supposed villain, Thomson, seemed worthy. The ardor expressed, and the longing during absence, didn't move me much.
(3) Scifi. The set of futuristic New York was pretty cool, reminding me of The Fifth Element, but certainly not as complex, and therefore it lost luster after some time. Still, props for effort. Some of the futuristic gadgets held my interest for a few moments, and I was disappointed that I wasn't treated to more exposure. The rocket was pretty pathetic, as was all elements of space travel. Mars was a travesty, and the scifi premise there as bad as Abbott and Costello Go to Mars.
(4) Comedy. El Brendel is definitely a one-trick pony, and the corn was popping, but I did like the politically incorrect jokes, especially the reference to Henry Ford being upstaged by the Jewish plane manufacturers, and even the "queen" schtick. Marjorie White was OK with her lines but she is quite annoying, though I suppose cute too.
(5) Other Stuff. Mischa Auer did an adequate job being Mischa Auer, but nothing standout. Most of the non-musical acting bordered on pedestrian. The plot-lines were pretty underdeveloped.
In conclusion, not a waste of time but you may find the fast-forward button handy.
FREE ONLINE -- Yes.
(2) Romance. The plot here was nothing special, simply two men fighting over one girl, to be decided by their achievements in life, a consequence of future law. Maureen O'Sullivan was earnest but not particularly charming. Neither the hero, Garrick, nor the supposed villain, Thomson, seemed worthy. The ardor expressed, and the longing during absence, didn't move me much.
(3) Scifi. The set of futuristic New York was pretty cool, reminding me of The Fifth Element, but certainly not as complex, and therefore it lost luster after some time. Still, props for effort. Some of the futuristic gadgets held my interest for a few moments, and I was disappointed that I wasn't treated to more exposure. The rocket was pretty pathetic, as was all elements of space travel. Mars was a travesty, and the scifi premise there as bad as Abbott and Costello Go to Mars.
(4) Comedy. El Brendel is definitely a one-trick pony, and the corn was popping, but I did like the politically incorrect jokes, especially the reference to Henry Ford being upstaged by the Jewish plane manufacturers, and even the "queen" schtick. Marjorie White was OK with her lines but she is quite annoying, though I suppose cute too.
(5) Other Stuff. Mischa Auer did an adequate job being Mischa Auer, but nothing standout. Most of the non-musical acting bordered on pedestrian. The plot-lines were pretty underdeveloped.
In conclusion, not a waste of time but you may find the fast-forward button handy.
FREE ONLINE -- Yes.