For the sake of a lucrative radio contract, John Barrymore agrees to turn bandleader Kay Kyser into a Shakespearian actor.For the sake of a lucrative radio contract, John Barrymore agrees to turn bandleader Kay Kyser into a Shakespearian actor.For the sake of a lucrative radio contract, John Barrymore agrees to turn bandleader Kay Kyser into a Shakespearian actor.
Kay Kyser Band
- Kay Kyser's Band
- (as Kay Kyser's Band)
M.A. Bogue
- Ish Kabibble
- (as Ish Kabibble)
Dorothy Babb
- Autograph Girl
- (uncredited)
Leon Belasco
- Prince Maharoohu
- (uncredited)
Joseph E. Bernard
- Thomas
- (uncredited)
William Brandt
- Member The Guardsmen
- (uncredited)
Bill Cartledge
- Page Boy
- (uncredited)
Hobart Cavanaugh
- Philip Tremble
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis film contains the only screen footage of John Barrymore reciting Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy.
- GoofsWhen Carmen throws the knife at John and Lulu, the wire used is clearly visible, and a small hole where it sticks in the wall is already present.
- Quotes
Nelson Pennypacker: I agree with you. Barrymore's a great actor.
Lulu Monahan: Oh, you can say that again. And when he's on the air for you, he'll sell more of your Vitamin L tablets...
Nelson Pennypacker: Not Vitamin L, Vitamin A!
Lulu Monahan: Well, they taste like L to me. Ha ha ha! Some joke, huh?
- Crazy creditsThe letters in the credits appear to be done in ribbon, and director David Butler's name is formed by a live-action of the film being reversed as the ribbon is pulled away.
- ConnectionsReferences Twentieth Century (1934)
- SoundtracksHow Long Did I Dream
(uncredited)
Music by Jimmy Van Heusen
Lyrics by Johnny Burke
Sung by Ginny Simms with the Kay Kyser Band
Featured review
Count me in with the group who enjoyed this film thoroughly. As a Kay Kyser vehicle it wasn't meant to be high art, it was a lowbrow comedy and in that it succeeds wonderfully. I laughed continually throughout the picture.
And NO, John Barrymore was not "sad", he was *hilarious* in his portrayal of a self-absorbed ham who would rather be boiled in oil than appear onstage with a bandleader. Unfortunately a rather large and unexpected bill from the IRS leaves him little choice, and a much-needed radio endorsement deal is contingent upon his appearing with Kyser in a Shakespearean production...much to his chagrin. Barrymore's over-the-top, pompous delivery was pure gold, and he played it to the hilt with gusto. He rolled every "R" three times as long, and his use of "me" rather than "my" in all his musings was quite humorous..."I have played 'Hamlet' before Kings and Queens! Had them groveling at me feet in abject worship! And you sacrilegiously affiliate me magic name with a barefoot bumpkin, a bifocal billy goat, from the hills of North Carolina! Where to this day, civilization has not yet penetrated!" Wonderfully delivered...anyone who finds this "sad" obviously doesn't get it.
This film is in the exact same vein as the Eddie Cantor vehicle "Thank Your Lucky Stars", which ragged Cantor mercilessly from start to finish as a celebrity with an ego the size of a bus. Barrymore - like Cantor - shows he was a good sport overall for being the recipient of an endless string of insults that were obviously delivered in good fun. The fact that several reviewers here find it pathetic...well, I couldn't disagree more. From what I saw Barrymore had a lot of fun himself making light of his well known reputation.
Throw in a little spice with Lupe Velez, and the formula is complete.
The music is great, and Ginny Simms is absolutely gorgeous. Ish Kabibble is 100% corn as always, those who are familiar with his routine expect nothing less. And no matter what anyone says about Kay Kyser's "acting" (which was also cut to shreds without mercy in this picture)...when he's in front of an audience doing his thing with the band, his stage presence cannot be touched. His style was completely unique and was extremely popular, with good reason. Kay Kyser was the MAN.
And NO, John Barrymore was not "sad", he was *hilarious* in his portrayal of a self-absorbed ham who would rather be boiled in oil than appear onstage with a bandleader. Unfortunately a rather large and unexpected bill from the IRS leaves him little choice, and a much-needed radio endorsement deal is contingent upon his appearing with Kyser in a Shakespearean production...much to his chagrin. Barrymore's over-the-top, pompous delivery was pure gold, and he played it to the hilt with gusto. He rolled every "R" three times as long, and his use of "me" rather than "my" in all his musings was quite humorous..."I have played 'Hamlet' before Kings and Queens! Had them groveling at me feet in abject worship! And you sacrilegiously affiliate me magic name with a barefoot bumpkin, a bifocal billy goat, from the hills of North Carolina! Where to this day, civilization has not yet penetrated!" Wonderfully delivered...anyone who finds this "sad" obviously doesn't get it.
This film is in the exact same vein as the Eddie Cantor vehicle "Thank Your Lucky Stars", which ragged Cantor mercilessly from start to finish as a celebrity with an ego the size of a bus. Barrymore - like Cantor - shows he was a good sport overall for being the recipient of an endless string of insults that were obviously delivered in good fun. The fact that several reviewers here find it pathetic...well, I couldn't disagree more. From what I saw Barrymore had a lot of fun himself making light of his well known reputation.
Throw in a little spice with Lupe Velez, and the formula is complete.
The music is great, and Ginny Simms is absolutely gorgeous. Ish Kabibble is 100% corn as always, those who are familiar with his routine expect nothing less. And no matter what anyone says about Kay Kyser's "acting" (which was also cut to shreds without mercy in this picture)...when he's in front of an audience doing his thing with the band, his stage presence cannot be touched. His style was completely unique and was extremely popular, with good reason. Kay Kyser was the MAN.
- ben-thayer
- Sep 18, 2018
- Permalink
Details
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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