The "Big Broadcast" films were Paramount's talent showcases -meant purely as escapist entertainment -giving audiences a chance to see and hear some of their favorite performers from radio. Mexican singer Tito Guizar might not be well-remembered today, but he was a name back in the 30s -as were the rest of the specialty acts and many of the regular cast.
Reading the reviews and trivia here it's shocking that so many factual errors abound. "Thanks For the Memory" was written for this film (not shoehorned in as some would have it). It was sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross -not Dorothy Lamour. Lamour sang "You Took the Words Right Out of My Heart." Both songs became standards, and the former won the Academy Award for Best Song! I could go on and on about all the other mistakes, but the point is you really can't trust some of these reviewers -especially those that say the film is unfunny, a waste of talent, or tuneless!
The script is witty and urbane. Fields was passing the peak of his career, so most of his bits were recycled material -but that's what audiences loved to see him do, and what they expected from this film! Bob Hope and Shirley Ross manage to bring some genuine emotion to the story as a divorced couple questioning whether their separation was really a good idea. The rest of the cast is solid, and deals well with the cliched plot of two ocean liners in a transatlantic race. Remember, this was a vehicle to give audiences a glimpse of some of their favorite radio performers, not Shakespeare.
With costumes by Edith Head and stylish scenic designs the film has a lot of visual impact. The main set, aboard the "SS Colossal" is an art deco dream that clearly foreshadowed designs for modern cruise ships with its domed observation lounge and sleek, aerodynamic lines.
This isn't Citizen Kane -nor was it meant to be. It's a solid piece of work, better than some others of its genre, and a great snapshot of America before the outbreak of the Second World War. It's well worth your time.
Reading the reviews and trivia here it's shocking that so many factual errors abound. "Thanks For the Memory" was written for this film (not shoehorned in as some would have it). It was sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross -not Dorothy Lamour. Lamour sang "You Took the Words Right Out of My Heart." Both songs became standards, and the former won the Academy Award for Best Song! I could go on and on about all the other mistakes, but the point is you really can't trust some of these reviewers -especially those that say the film is unfunny, a waste of talent, or tuneless!
The script is witty and urbane. Fields was passing the peak of his career, so most of his bits were recycled material -but that's what audiences loved to see him do, and what they expected from this film! Bob Hope and Shirley Ross manage to bring some genuine emotion to the story as a divorced couple questioning whether their separation was really a good idea. The rest of the cast is solid, and deals well with the cliched plot of two ocean liners in a transatlantic race. Remember, this was a vehicle to give audiences a glimpse of some of their favorite radio performers, not Shakespeare.
With costumes by Edith Head and stylish scenic designs the film has a lot of visual impact. The main set, aboard the "SS Colossal" is an art deco dream that clearly foreshadowed designs for modern cruise ships with its domed observation lounge and sleek, aerodynamic lines.
This isn't Citizen Kane -nor was it meant to be. It's a solid piece of work, better than some others of its genre, and a great snapshot of America before the outbreak of the Second World War. It's well worth your time.
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