eocostello Reviews

Mammy (1930)

Interesting, a lot better than I thought

[8/10 · 3 October 2002]

I saw today the restored version of "Mammy," restored in that the two colour sequences have been put back in. (Some areas had to use sepia-tinted bridging sequences.) I'm no fan of Jolson, but the movie did keep my interest, the presentation was good, and Al here is somewhat restrained, all of which added up to a surprisingly good time. Presentation (including a very good soundtrack) is everything

Elstree Calling (1930)

Mixed Bag, But Worth Seeing

[31 January 2002]

Elstree Calling (1930), like most of the revues of the era, has some high points and misfires. Hitchcock's linking material here can be quite funny, and the colour sequences aren't bad (even if "The Thought Never Entered My Head" is a bit ungainly). A pleasant goof, for most

Nertsery Rhymes (1933)

Interesting Little Recycler

[7/10 · 14 August 2001]

MGM, ever thrifty, did something slightly unusual with this short. Mixed in between Ted Healy (as a top-hatted "daddy") and his Stooges (guess who?), not to mention a shapely fairy princess, we see two color segments recylced from earlier MGM films. One is the "Woman in the Shoe" number from "Lord Byron of Broadway," and another is a number entitled "A Girl, a Fan and a Fella," which is a number that was cut from either "The Hollywood Revue of 1929" or "March of Time." The first number fits in much better with the "bedtime story" theme, and features slick dancing, but the second number (which is actually shown first) has a quirky, Erte-like elegance about it that demands attention. MGM would do something similar later with "Roast Beef and Movies," with Curly Howard, but not to the same whacked charm-effect. Try it, and get an interesting idea of early Technicolor music.

La Cucaracha (1934)

Fascinating little gem

[7/10 · 25 July 2001]

Well worth finding a copy; the first live-action 3-strip Technicolor film is very pretty to watch (note in particular the beautiful blues in some of the costumes), is well-timed, and has a funny set piece in which the pompous theatre owner gets a well-deserved commupance from the fiery lady. The only problem is that the sound quality of the Roan DVD, which I have, was not very good, and made it very difficult to understand some of the dialogue. I probably would have given this a higher rating than the 7 I gave it, if the sound quality had been better. All the same, I recommend it.

Paramount on Parade (1930)

Great Fun in Early Revue

[9/10 · 7 July 2001]

Of the early talkie-era all-star revues, this one is by far the most "fun." The song sequences are nicely done; in particular, the "Dancing to Save Your Sole" segment with Nancy Carroll. Maurice Chevalier does very well in his three segments, one comedy segment, one comedy musical segment (bearing the noticable stamp of Lubitsch), and the entertaining finale. The comic segments are a bit hit or miss, but the Philo Vance/Sherlock Holmes/Fu Manchu skit near the start is a must-see. I saw this in an old TV print; the color sequences mostly exist, but have yet to be restored, and the copy of most prints that circulate is servicable, but not spectacular. Find the best print you can.

Show of Shows (1929)

Mixed Bag, But Worth Seeing

[6/10 · 7 July 2001]

One of a handful of "revue" films from the early sound era, this film mixes musical numbers and comedy routines, a la vaudeville. Some items don't really work, in particular Frank Fay's role as emcee, and the finale, which is rather loosely structured. On the other hand, Winnie Lightner does two terrific turns, especially with "Singin' in the Bathtub," which is put over with punch. Some versions have the "Li-Po-Li" segment in 2-strip Technicolor, which gives the routine unusual sheen and polish, playing off the strengths of the system, especially in the use of turquoises and reds.

Generally superior, I think, to MGM's "Hollywood Revue of 1929," and worth watching if you can

The Hollywood Revue of 1929 (1929)

Somewhat Creaky Revue

[5/10 · 7 July 2001]

Like "The Show of Shows" and "Happy Days," this was one of the early talkie revues, with MGM bringing out all of the stars in its heaven. It's very much a mixed bag, as some of the routines fall flat, particularly the Laurel and Hardy and Buster Keaton comic routines, which don't click. Like "The Show of Shows," there's an emcee problem here, with a badly misused Jack Benny.

The two 2-strip Technicolor sequences, a Shearer/Gilbert rendition of Romeo and Juliet in classical and late 20s versions, and Charles King singing "Orange Blossom Time" have a lot of charm, and look very attractive. But the big attraction is "Singin' in the Rain," both in a black and white sequence, and in the all-star color finale.

I don't think this is as good as "The Show of Shows," but it is still worth having a look.

Animaniacs: Wakko's Wish (1999 Video)

Fans will love it, good introduction

[9/10 · 31 December 1999]

For those who followed the show throughout its run, you will have a lot to like about this film, including a slam-bang version of that old WB cartoon standard, the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. Even if you aren't familiar with the show, give this a try; the animation is nicely done, and there's a lot of heart to the film.