OK, I'll confess up front, I'm a sucker for this picture. So my rating is entirely personal.
Although many reviewers have bashed this picture harshly, it's is a treat for any fans of the Dorsey brothers. It's interesting to see them with so much screen time when the majority of their onscreen appearances were brief, primarily introducing a number and conducting their respective bands. And does it bother me that they aren't talented thespians? Not at all...in truth I found their "performances" rather amusing. It's the tunes that push me to rate this film as high as I have...so many FABULOUS numbers!
Viewers also get to see the brothers play individually a lot more than one typically sees in their other film appearances, where they conduct and play a solo here or there. This picture is laced with their virtuosity. The Dorseys were *brilliant* players, and one gets a full dose of their otherworldly talent throughout the film.
And speaking of talent, the magnificent Art Tatum is on full display in one of his rare film appearances. It's easy to see why Mr. Tatum is revered as one of *the* greatest, most innovative pianists in the jazz genre. The scene where the boys jam with Tatum's band is pure gold, and it's hard not to be floored completely when the legendary Charlie Barnet takes a tenor sax solo.
So don't expect Citizen Kane, this film isn't in the same league nor is it trying to be. But then again, well...not comparing it to Kane but there's a lot to see in this picture. The brothers' prodigious musical talent was nothing short of amazing, and this film does a great job showing just how good they were.
Although many reviewers have bashed this picture harshly, it's is a treat for any fans of the Dorsey brothers. It's interesting to see them with so much screen time when the majority of their onscreen appearances were brief, primarily introducing a number and conducting their respective bands. And does it bother me that they aren't talented thespians? Not at all...in truth I found their "performances" rather amusing. It's the tunes that push me to rate this film as high as I have...so many FABULOUS numbers!
Viewers also get to see the brothers play individually a lot more than one typically sees in their other film appearances, where they conduct and play a solo here or there. This picture is laced with their virtuosity. The Dorseys were *brilliant* players, and one gets a full dose of their otherworldly talent throughout the film.
And speaking of talent, the magnificent Art Tatum is on full display in one of his rare film appearances. It's easy to see why Mr. Tatum is revered as one of *the* greatest, most innovative pianists in the jazz genre. The scene where the boys jam with Tatum's band is pure gold, and it's hard not to be floored completely when the legendary Charlie Barnet takes a tenor sax solo.
So don't expect Citizen Kane, this film isn't in the same league nor is it trying to be. But then again, well...not comparing it to Kane but there's a lot to see in this picture. The brothers' prodigious musical talent was nothing short of amazing, and this film does a great job showing just how good they were.