This is the second of the "war musicals" I'm reviewing for the next few days, the first having been Something for the Boys. This was Warner Bros. initial contribution of an all-star extravaganza to the war effort. I mean, seeing non-singing stars like Errol Flynn and Bette Davis warble entertaining tunes and having fun doing them are special treats to watch even today. And seeing Humphrey Bogart get shouted down by S. Z. Sakall is hilarious. In fact, the screenplay by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama (both of whom were natives of my birthtown of Chicago, Ill.) provided non-stop laughs for most of the time especially when the plot was focused on Joan Leslie, Dennis Morgan, and especially on Eddie Cantor who plays both himself as an egotistical jerk and a down-on-his-luck actor-turned-bus driver named Joe. And Sakall and Edward Everett Horton make a wonderful team when they have to deal with Cantor. The songs, by Frank Loesser and Arthur Schwartz, are highly entertaining especially Davis' "They're Either Too Young or Too Old" and Cantor protégé Dinah Shore sings a couple of their ballads wonderfully. Also a treat was a performance by Spike Jones and the City Slickers doing their funny stylings on a classical piece. Okay, not everything clicked and the movie, at a little more than two hours, may have been a little long. But I was so entertained, I mostly didn't care. So of course, Thank Your Lucky Stars gets a high recommendation from me. P.S. I found out that three players from my favorite movie, It's a Wonderful Life, appeared though I only noticed one, Mary Treen as an Eddie Cantor fan who encounters Joe, while watching. Perhaps Frank Faylen, as a sailor, and Virginia Patton, as one of the girls in Ann Sheridan's number, didn't appear long enough for me to recognize them.
49 Reviews
A wonderful film...with plenty of stars and songs!!
steveareno29 March 2000
This is a great movie.Dinah Shore sings beautifully and Eddie Cantor is hilarious!Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie are sweet together and sing "I'm riding for a fall" and "No You,No Me". Jack Carson and Alan Hale do a cute routine and Alexis Smith dances wonderfully.Bette Davis and Errol Flynn sing!Any person who likes star-filled movies with lots of songs and comedy should see this film!I recommend it!!
A wonderful all-star review
budicca18 October 2013
I wish I had seen it earlier. Growing up in the 70s in the San Francisco area, even with cable TV from about 1973, films from before the 60s just weren't shown that often. My exposure to oldies was mostly the Our Gang and Three Stooges shorts, and Shirley Temple films. Saturday afternoons were the only time I remember when an older movie might be shown, and even when very young, I loved movies. Unfortunately, while Dad liked movies, he loved sports, and any movie I might begin to watch on our 19 inch color TV in the living room on a Saturday afternoon, was soon switched to some ballgame when Dad came in the room, with his usual, "You don't watch black and white shows on a color TV!" Of course, if the movie was in color, it too was switched to sports, and "You've watched enough TV for the day," was a common saying heard as the music changed to an announcer's play-by-play.
The only other time older movies were broadcast, was on Creature Features, which Dad often watched, with me hiding behind his chair peeking out at the Wolfman or another Universal monster, refusing to go to bed before the end.
Recently I have watched many older films, and happily Thank Your Lucky Stars was broadcast when I happened upon it. So many stars, singing, dancing, comedy bits, and even a plot. I was especially wowed by the musical number Ice Cold Katy. Pure entertainment.
Alexis Smith dancing was so mesmerizing. I didn't recognize her or her name, and find it a wonder she isn't more well known. I just had to look her up on IMDb, and hope to soon see more of her movies.
This may be the best film variety show I've seen, and I want to see others because of how it made me happy. I give this an 8, because of its entertainment value, and feel it is an 8 variety show. It does not compare to a drama with this high a rating, or a comedy. Within its genre, though, it is wonderful.
The only other time older movies were broadcast, was on Creature Features, which Dad often watched, with me hiding behind his chair peeking out at the Wolfman or another Universal monster, refusing to go to bed before the end.
Recently I have watched many older films, and happily Thank Your Lucky Stars was broadcast when I happened upon it. So many stars, singing, dancing, comedy bits, and even a plot. I was especially wowed by the musical number Ice Cold Katy. Pure entertainment.
Alexis Smith dancing was so mesmerizing. I didn't recognize her or her name, and find it a wonder she isn't more well known. I just had to look her up on IMDb, and hope to soon see more of her movies.
This may be the best film variety show I've seen, and I want to see others because of how it made me happy. I give this an 8, because of its entertainment value, and feel it is an 8 variety show. It does not compare to a drama with this high a rating, or a comedy. Within its genre, though, it is wonderful.
Discovering Eddie Cantor
drednm24 April 2005
Cantor was one of the biggest stars of his time. And this WW-II extravaganza showcases his comedy talents playing himself and a look-alike cab driver. Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie are the lovers, Dinah Shore gets a big buildup but her songs are drippy and awful. Edward Everett Horton and S.Z. Sakall are fun as the guys running the Cavalcade that Cantor forces himself into. Humphrey Bogart does a limp cameo, and big Warners stars appear in a series of funny stage numbers. Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan, and Errol Flynn sing; Olivia de Havilland and Ida Lupino do a jive number; Hattie McDaniel sings in a Harlem number; Jack Carson and Alan Hale do an old-time Vaudeville number; Alexis Smith dances; Spike Jones does a novelty number; John Garfield sings on Cantor's radio show, etc. But aside from seeing these big stars, it's Eddie Cantor who makes this worthwhile. A HUGE stage, movie, and radio star, Cantor is wonderful lampooning himself (a la Bob Hope) and playing the nebbish cabbie (a la Woody Allen). While many of his Broadway contemporaries never quite made it in films (Sophie Tucker, Fannie Brice, George Jessell, Al Jolson, Marilyn Miller), Cantor's starring film career lasted almost 20 years, dating from the smash hit Whoopie! in 1930; his radio career lasted 30 years. Cantor is sadly forgotten now, but he was such a big star he won a special Oscar for his film work and his humanitarian efforts.
Bird's eye view of Warners Hollywood in the early 1940s
opsbooks3 March 2006
The unforgettable Eddie Cantor is the glue which holds this wartime extravaganza together. He was one of the few great singers who could double as a first rate comedian.
Other reviewers have pretty much covered all angles but for me the high point is the appearance of Spike Jones and his City Slickers, performing one of their hilarious numbers. Once you've experienced Spike, you just can't get enough of his unique style, if that's the right word.
Bogart's appearance is amusing while Miss Davis provides a memorable performance. None of the other Warners stars really stand out. For me, 'Starlift' is a better star vehicle, though it would come almost a decade later.
Other reviewers have pretty much covered all angles but for me the high point is the appearance of Spike Jones and his City Slickers, performing one of their hilarious numbers. Once you've experienced Spike, you just can't get enough of his unique style, if that's the right word.
Bogart's appearance is amusing while Miss Davis provides a memorable performance. None of the other Warners stars really stand out. For me, 'Starlift' is a better star vehicle, though it would come almost a decade later.
"According to his pulse, he's been dead for 43 weeks."
utgard1420 May 2014
Thin plot but nice songs and an assortment of WB stars make for an imperfect but enjoyable musical comedy. Acquired taste Eddie Cantor plays two roles so grit your teeth for that. He's very corny and vaudevillian. I'm not typically a fan of his but this is one of his more tolerable movies. In addition to regular singers Dinah Shore, Dennis Morgan, and Ann Sheridan, there are rare musical numbers by Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, John Garfield, and Ida Lupino. Garfield can't sing to save his life but the others are good. Aside from these, my favorite number in the movie is probably the all-black "Ice Cold Katie" number with Hattie McDaniel. Also an amusing non-musical cameo from Humphrey Bogart. Despite its flaws and overlength, it's hard to dislike. An enjoyable bit of fluff that will especially please fans of classic movie stars.
An All Star Man In the Iron Mask
bkoganbing26 May 2006
I am the world's biggest sucker for All Star Films and the genre was never better than during the World War II era, when all the major studios made at least one of them as a morale booster. They all involve getting the stars at the various studios to put on a show for the troops which they do, but with a few problems.
Producers of this show Edward Everett Horton and S.Z. Sakall would like to get Dinah Shore for their show. But she's under contract to Eddie Cantor. Today's moviegoers would not be aware of the fact that at the time Thank Your Lucky Stars was filmed, Dinah Shore was a regular on Eddie Cantor's radio show. And in fact he did have her under contract.
Cantor was also a man known to have a big ego and known for interfering with every aspect of production in film, stage, and radio. His character though in film was the meek little schnook who somehow triumphs over adversity.
Cantor may have had the ego, but he was also a big enough man to allow this public lampooning of his image. He plays two roles in this, as himself and as tour bus driver Joe Simpson who can't get a break because he looks like Eddie Cantor. In between all the musical numbers the plot is simply to have Cantor kidnapped and Joe Simpson to take his place so that Dennis Morgan can get some exposure. Of course there's a young love subplot involving hopefuls Morgan and Joan Leslie, but it doesn't interfere with a plot that's taken from The Man In the Iron Mask.
Arthur Schwartz and Frank Loesser wrote a nice score for this film and the big hit was a number talk/sung by Bette Davis, They're Either Too Young Or Too Old. This number was later done in the Jane Froman bio-film With A Song in My Heart with Susan Hayward lipsynching Jane Froman's record.
I also liked another number where a major Warner Brothers Star lampooned his image and had a jolly good time, singing That's What You Jolly Well Get. Errol Flynn was reported to have enjoyed himself immensely doing that very funny song.
Thank Your Lucky Stars is one of the most pleasant nostalgia trips to a bygone era of the studio system. You couldn't afford to pay all the stars in this film today if they were all free lance independent contractors today. It's why films like this can't be made again.
Producers of this show Edward Everett Horton and S.Z. Sakall would like to get Dinah Shore for their show. But she's under contract to Eddie Cantor. Today's moviegoers would not be aware of the fact that at the time Thank Your Lucky Stars was filmed, Dinah Shore was a regular on Eddie Cantor's radio show. And in fact he did have her under contract.
Cantor was also a man known to have a big ego and known for interfering with every aspect of production in film, stage, and radio. His character though in film was the meek little schnook who somehow triumphs over adversity.
Cantor may have had the ego, but he was also a big enough man to allow this public lampooning of his image. He plays two roles in this, as himself and as tour bus driver Joe Simpson who can't get a break because he looks like Eddie Cantor. In between all the musical numbers the plot is simply to have Cantor kidnapped and Joe Simpson to take his place so that Dennis Morgan can get some exposure. Of course there's a young love subplot involving hopefuls Morgan and Joan Leslie, but it doesn't interfere with a plot that's taken from The Man In the Iron Mask.
Arthur Schwartz and Frank Loesser wrote a nice score for this film and the big hit was a number talk/sung by Bette Davis, They're Either Too Young Or Too Old. This number was later done in the Jane Froman bio-film With A Song in My Heart with Susan Hayward lipsynching Jane Froman's record.
I also liked another number where a major Warner Brothers Star lampooned his image and had a jolly good time, singing That's What You Jolly Well Get. Errol Flynn was reported to have enjoyed himself immensely doing that very funny song.
Thank Your Lucky Stars is one of the most pleasant nostalgia trips to a bygone era of the studio system. You couldn't afford to pay all the stars in this film today if they were all free lance independent contractors today. It's why films like this can't be made again.
Worth it for Cantor, Horton, and Sakall
NellsFlickers16 November 2018
To me, the best parts of this movie are the scenes with Edward Everett Horton and S.Z. Sakall trying to deal with Eddie Cantor (playing himself). All three did a great job and made me chuckle out loud. Scenes with Cantor playing "Joe" were best when he insults "Eddie". People who have never heard a Cantor radio show may be in the dark with some of the jokes, but it shouldn't matter much.
The overall storyline is rather silly, but this is a wartime pep-movie, full of stars and no-doubt meant to put smiles on the faces of war weary audiences.
I forwarded through the scenes with the love interests and most of the songs (Alan Hale & Jack Carson's song about the north I had to watch!) but again, if you like musicals, you will watch all of the performances.
All in all, a movie with scenes for everyone, and worth it just to see Cantor be "himself"!
The overall storyline is rather silly, but this is a wartime pep-movie, full of stars and no-doubt meant to put smiles on the faces of war weary audiences.
I forwarded through the scenes with the love interests and most of the songs (Alan Hale & Jack Carson's song about the north I had to watch!) but again, if you like musicals, you will watch all of the performances.
All in all, a movie with scenes for everyone, and worth it just to see Cantor be "himself"!
Winning the war through song and good humour
Varlaam7 January 1999
During the war years, the studios made quite a number of all-star, flag-waving extravaganzas -- "Star Spangled Rhythm", "This Is the Army", "Hollywood Canteen".
To me, "Thank Your Lucky Stars" is easily the best of the home-front morale-boosters. The connecting plot featuring Eddie Cantor and the ever-perky Joan Leslie is funny, while the cameo appearances by the first echelon at Warner Brothers are of uniform interest, with many of the stars playing completely unconventional parts. Both Errol Flynn and Bette Davis sing, and quite amusingly too.
To me, "Thank Your Lucky Stars" is easily the best of the home-front morale-boosters. The connecting plot featuring Eddie Cantor and the ever-perky Joan Leslie is funny, while the cameo appearances by the first echelon at Warner Brothers are of uniform interest, with many of the stars playing completely unconventional parts. Both Errol Flynn and Bette Davis sing, and quite amusingly too.
They don't make them like that anymore
schappe126 May 2021
"They don't make them like that anymore". That's surely true of the all-star variety movie, which were common in the Golden Age of Hollywood, when the studios had a long list of name actors under contract and from time to time put them all into a single musical movie, regardless of whether they could actually dance or sing, drawn together with a plot as thin as tissue paper. Most of the numbers here are part of a show they put on for war charities called the "Cavalcade of Stars", and that's basically what this movie is.
Errol Flynn is in this movie but it's hardly an Errol Flynn movie. If the film has a star, it's Eddie Cantor, then wildly popular but now largely forgotten, whose trademark was a bug-eyed look that suggest shock or fear. He gets a dual role as himself, trying to direct the show and a look-alike running a "Homes of the Stars" tour who is sick of being mistaken for him. Add in Dennis Morgan as an aspiring singer and Joan Leslie as an aspiring song writer and a plot to displace the real Cantor with the look-alike to get them into the show and you've got all the story you need for something like this.
Warner's at this time wasn't doing many musicals so they didn't have the roster of musical stars MGM had. That means this is a parade of actors who can't sing or dance dancing and singing. That doesn't mean it isn't amusing. Flynn's turn as a jolly braggart in a bar describing his phony war heroics, (which ends with him being tossed out a window), is fun, although the irony that Flynn had been rejected for military service due to various ailments was not lost on audiences. His other appearance comes at the very end where he lip-syncs to an operatic voice. He then talks in his own voice, saying that that was quite a singing voice. "I wish it was mine". The highlight is surely Bette Davis singing "They're either too young or too old", a combination of acting, signing and a jitterbug where she gets flipped around by her partner, who had won a dance contest but had to be convinced by Davis to "ignore who I am and just go with your instincts", which resulted in a knee injury. She may have bene too old or her partner too young. Alan Hale does a vaudeville number with Jack Carson and Olivia de Havilland joins Ida Lupino and, of all people, George Tobias in a number awkwardly spoofing the Andrews Sisters, (making this her final film with Flynn, not They Died With Their Boots On - Hale would have one more but 6 years later). Dinah Shore and Ann Sheridan look fantastic and sing well in a couple of numbers and Alexis Smith does the same in a dance. There a production number with black soldiers that may have been edited out in the south. John Garfield does a song and Humphrey Bogart, with a three-day beard, lets S. Z. "Cuddles" Sakall intimidate him, then wonders if his fans will see this.
All of their fans would see this and they could care less what we think about it today.
Errol Flynn is in this movie but it's hardly an Errol Flynn movie. If the film has a star, it's Eddie Cantor, then wildly popular but now largely forgotten, whose trademark was a bug-eyed look that suggest shock or fear. He gets a dual role as himself, trying to direct the show and a look-alike running a "Homes of the Stars" tour who is sick of being mistaken for him. Add in Dennis Morgan as an aspiring singer and Joan Leslie as an aspiring song writer and a plot to displace the real Cantor with the look-alike to get them into the show and you've got all the story you need for something like this.
Warner's at this time wasn't doing many musicals so they didn't have the roster of musical stars MGM had. That means this is a parade of actors who can't sing or dance dancing and singing. That doesn't mean it isn't amusing. Flynn's turn as a jolly braggart in a bar describing his phony war heroics, (which ends with him being tossed out a window), is fun, although the irony that Flynn had been rejected for military service due to various ailments was not lost on audiences. His other appearance comes at the very end where he lip-syncs to an operatic voice. He then talks in his own voice, saying that that was quite a singing voice. "I wish it was mine". The highlight is surely Bette Davis singing "They're either too young or too old", a combination of acting, signing and a jitterbug where she gets flipped around by her partner, who had won a dance contest but had to be convinced by Davis to "ignore who I am and just go with your instincts", which resulted in a knee injury. She may have bene too old or her partner too young. Alan Hale does a vaudeville number with Jack Carson and Olivia de Havilland joins Ida Lupino and, of all people, George Tobias in a number awkwardly spoofing the Andrews Sisters, (making this her final film with Flynn, not They Died With Their Boots On - Hale would have one more but 6 years later). Dinah Shore and Ann Sheridan look fantastic and sing well in a couple of numbers and Alexis Smith does the same in a dance. There a production number with black soldiers that may have been edited out in the south. John Garfield does a song and Humphrey Bogart, with a three-day beard, lets S. Z. "Cuddles" Sakall intimidate him, then wonders if his fans will see this.
All of their fans would see this and they could care less what we think about it today.
Awful...
Xstal13 September 2023
Now here's a film that's as shallow as a puddle, with a theme that's just so week it's impossible to muddle, as a comic who's as funny as a throbbing, aching wound - evacuates a deluge to an audience un-tuned; to be fair there are some stars who make appearances throughout, names of stage and screen who in their day had quite serious clout, but the buffoon in the middle makes you cringe and want to wail, as the diarrhoea flows from his mouth you want to leave and bail; at two hours and bit the pain is chronic, it's a bore, there is acting that's so stilted it's a never ending chore, perhaps the people of the day saw different things through blinkered eyes, but I generally suspect, they had their eyebrows in the skies.
I thank my lucky stars that I saw this great, feel good film!
julianhwescott9 June 2001
Anyone who has a heart can find something they like about this great picture. During World War II, I imagine that people really needed their spirits lifted and they were by a lot of different things, in this case by Hollywood. This film is great fare even today if you like music and good singing, comedy, and even bad singing provided mostly by dramatic stars! There are quite a few laughs and the storyline is not bad; even tho a bit silly, this film provides a lot of pleasure. This film is about love and caring and sharing! Thanks to all the stars!
A mixed bag of songs and dances.
mark.waltz28 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
You've got two Eddie Cantor's for the price of one, spoofing his image and being just the opposite of what history has shown him to be. As generous and kind in person as he is egotistical and temperamental here, Cantor is the scourge of radio, and when benefit producers Edward Everett Horton and S.Z. Sakall seek to get his client Dinah Shore for their show, they find that they can't put the show on without his constant interference. So how do you deal with constant issues from a man like that? Find something that distracts his ego as well as a lookalike to step in when a Cantor number is required.
Comic routines, specialties and big production numbers abound, this is a nostalgic look back thqt features a mixture of triumphs and egg laying debacles. Dennis Morgan plays a crooner hoodwinked into thinking that he's got a radio contract with Cantor, the same shyster agent having pulled the same scam woth songwriter Joan Leslie. It's not really a great story (and sort of disturbing), but the plethora of stars is at least a curiosity to keep your attention.
The opportunity to see non musical stars singing is hit or miss, and some of the sing setups are truly poor. But Bette Davis scores singing "They're Either Too Young or Too Old' (jitterbugging!), and Hattie McDaniel proves she really has what it takes with "Ice Cold Katie". Ann Sheridan, Ida Lupino, Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn manage to save face in weaker numbers. S.Z. Sakall gets to rough up tough guy Humphrey Bogart in a very funny scene. The nadir of this is the"look at what we've accomplished!" finale that reeks of the narcissism that they were trying to make fun of with Cantor.
Comic routines, specialties and big production numbers abound, this is a nostalgic look back thqt features a mixture of triumphs and egg laying debacles. Dennis Morgan plays a crooner hoodwinked into thinking that he's got a radio contract with Cantor, the same shyster agent having pulled the same scam woth songwriter Joan Leslie. It's not really a great story (and sort of disturbing), but the plethora of stars is at least a curiosity to keep your attention.
The opportunity to see non musical stars singing is hit or miss, and some of the sing setups are truly poor. But Bette Davis scores singing "They're Either Too Young or Too Old' (jitterbugging!), and Hattie McDaniel proves she really has what it takes with "Ice Cold Katie". Ann Sheridan, Ida Lupino, Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn manage to save face in weaker numbers. S.Z. Sakall gets to rough up tough guy Humphrey Bogart in a very funny scene. The nadir of this is the"look at what we've accomplished!" finale that reeks of the narcissism that they were trying to make fun of with Cantor.
An uneven film
richard-178716 January 2009
Tnis is at best a very uneven film, with very misleading billing. Humphrey Bogart, who gets first billing, appears for about 3 minutes in a very forgettable and poorly done cameo. (No, he doesn't try to sing.) Olivia de Havilland and Ida Lupino appear together in a rather mediocre dance number. Bette Davis, though she can't sing, puts in a great appearance singing "They're either too young or too old," and Errol Flynn does a remarkably good job with his song and dance number. Alexis Smith looks very elegant and graceful in her dance number, though it is true that she is lifted through the air by various male dance partners as much as she actually dances herself, which helps. Still, she looks very beautiful for her 3 minutes of screen time. Ann Sheridan looks good in her song too, but it is so mediocre that there's not much she can do with it, and since she doesn't get to do any glamorous dancing, the number is forgettable.. The same applies to Jack Carson and Alan Hale, both very talented actors, who get saddled with a truly dead song and dance duo.
In fact, the weakest element in this movie is the music, which is almost all forgettable.
These various cameo appearances are fitted into a frame: Dennis Morgan is trying to break into show biz as a singer, while EE Horton and SZ Sakall, who are way down on the billing, are trying to put on a charity variety show. The three of them, plus Eddie Cantor, who plays himself and is very funny doing so, are the actual stars of this movie, though you would never guess it from the billing. All four are good.
There are other forgettable musical numbers, including several with Dinah Shore, who comes off as having no personality, a rousing if forgettable number for Black singers and dancers in which Hattie McDaniel holds up her own, and a monologue of sorts with John Garfield that's not half bad, but only because he's a good actor.
In short, a largely mediocre effort. If you like any of the stars who do the cameos, you will want to see them do their 3-5 minute bits. If you're looking for 2 hours of entertainment - this movie runs just over 2 hours - you won't find it here, though.
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I've just watched it again two years later. Perhaps I'm in a more charitable mood, but this time I got more pleasure out of it. It really only works if you know the work of the various actors who appear, as most of them either play against type - like Errol Flynn or his frequent side-kick, Alan Hale - or satirize themselves, like John Garfield, who is really very good playing a highly exaggerated version of his usual tough guy. Ann Sheridan is a knockout in her number, thanks to her dress and the way she moves; you really don't notice that she wasn't a great singer. That's the case for most of these cameo performances: they're done by often very fine actors who didn't normally sing and dance on screen. Most seem to be having a good time doing something they didn't usually get to do, and none of them embarrass themselves. Bette Davis definitely couldn't sing, but she brings off her number through sheer personality. The same goes for many of the others.
If you don't know the classic Warner Brothers movies of the 30s and early 40s, this won't hold you. If you know how these stars normally appeared, you may get a kick out of seeing them do something very different, or making fun of what they normally did.
In fact, the weakest element in this movie is the music, which is almost all forgettable.
These various cameo appearances are fitted into a frame: Dennis Morgan is trying to break into show biz as a singer, while EE Horton and SZ Sakall, who are way down on the billing, are trying to put on a charity variety show. The three of them, plus Eddie Cantor, who plays himself and is very funny doing so, are the actual stars of this movie, though you would never guess it from the billing. All four are good.
There are other forgettable musical numbers, including several with Dinah Shore, who comes off as having no personality, a rousing if forgettable number for Black singers and dancers in which Hattie McDaniel holds up her own, and a monologue of sorts with John Garfield that's not half bad, but only because he's a good actor.
In short, a largely mediocre effort. If you like any of the stars who do the cameos, you will want to see them do their 3-5 minute bits. If you're looking for 2 hours of entertainment - this movie runs just over 2 hours - you won't find it here, though.
-----------------------------------
I've just watched it again two years later. Perhaps I'm in a more charitable mood, but this time I got more pleasure out of it. It really only works if you know the work of the various actors who appear, as most of them either play against type - like Errol Flynn or his frequent side-kick, Alan Hale - or satirize themselves, like John Garfield, who is really very good playing a highly exaggerated version of his usual tough guy. Ann Sheridan is a knockout in her number, thanks to her dress and the way she moves; you really don't notice that she wasn't a great singer. That's the case for most of these cameo performances: they're done by often very fine actors who didn't normally sing and dance on screen. Most seem to be having a good time doing something they didn't usually get to do, and none of them embarrass themselves. Bette Davis definitely couldn't sing, but she brings off her number through sheer personality. The same goes for many of the others.
If you don't know the classic Warner Brothers movies of the 30s and early 40s, this won't hold you. If you know how these stars normally appeared, you may get a kick out of seeing them do something very different, or making fun of what they normally did.
We May Not Be Polished, but We Are Enthusiastic
dougdoepke16 July 2010
There's enough bounce and energy in this Warner's showcase to light up a whole city. What great light entertainment for the boys overseas and folks on the homefront (after all, it's 1943). Eddie Cantor really comes through with the plot spark, racing around like the Energizer bunny, and playing dual roles (did they pay him double). Then there's handsome Dennis Morgan and all-American Joan Leslie making an attractive pair to hang the romantic hat on. And get a load of Bogart dropping his tough guy act if for just a moment, plus an off-key Garfield warbling, of all things.
No, the music is nothing to write home about, but the performers are an enthusiastic bunch, so who cares. There's drama queens Lupino and de Haviland as jive-talking hepcats (note they only dance "in place"), and, of course, Warner's reigning drama queen Bette Davis doing something or other in her inimitable style. But I especially like the Hattie McDaniel free-for-all that really does light up the screen. Apparently, however, someone decided to slow things down with Ann Sheridan's static number where the girls sit around like prom princesses. But at least we boys get to ogle them.
Too bad this rouser wasn't sent to Hitler and Tojo. They would have tossed in the towel immediately. Because it's obvious that no country with this kind of energy and dynamism could possibly lose a war. And, yes, it's still great unpolished entertainment, with what looks like a lot of people having a lot of fun.
No, the music is nothing to write home about, but the performers are an enthusiastic bunch, so who cares. There's drama queens Lupino and de Haviland as jive-talking hepcats (note they only dance "in place"), and, of course, Warner's reigning drama queen Bette Davis doing something or other in her inimitable style. But I especially like the Hattie McDaniel free-for-all that really does light up the screen. Apparently, however, someone decided to slow things down with Ann Sheridan's static number where the girls sit around like prom princesses. But at least we boys get to ogle them.
Too bad this rouser wasn't sent to Hitler and Tojo. They would have tossed in the towel immediately. Because it's obvious that no country with this kind of energy and dynamism could possibly lose a war. And, yes, it's still great unpolished entertainment, with what looks like a lot of people having a lot of fun.
Thank Your Lucky Stars That We Had Them All ***
edwagreen12 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The plot with Eddie Cantor assuming 2 roles, one as himself, a tyrannical theatrical person and the other as a look-alike who drives a tour bus. The latter can't break into show business because of his alikeness to Cantor.
The plot itself is a very silly one with the Cantor look-alike meeting up with aspiring entertainers Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie. They concoct a plan to take over the project that Cantor is planning for a benefit for soldiers.
What makes the film good is the performances by so many of the stars of yesteryear who for this film, divorce themselves of their dramatic presence, and sing and dance.
I didn't know that Alexis Smith could dance up a storm. While Errol Flynn didn't have a great voice, he carries it well. Even John Garfield gets through the singing bit. Hattie McDaniel is wonderful in her rendition of Cold Hearted Katie, and the great Bette Davis just shines by singing and dancing to They're Either too Young or too Old.
Thank Your Lucky Stars was a film in tribute to our service people.
The plot itself is a very silly one with the Cantor look-alike meeting up with aspiring entertainers Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie. They concoct a plan to take over the project that Cantor is planning for a benefit for soldiers.
What makes the film good is the performances by so many of the stars of yesteryear who for this film, divorce themselves of their dramatic presence, and sing and dance.
I didn't know that Alexis Smith could dance up a storm. While Errol Flynn didn't have a great voice, he carries it well. Even John Garfield gets through the singing bit. Hattie McDaniel is wonderful in her rendition of Cold Hearted Katie, and the great Bette Davis just shines by singing and dancing to They're Either too Young or too Old.
Thank Your Lucky Stars was a film in tribute to our service people.
Uneven but fun
TheLittleSongbird8 February 2022
In the 1940s, there were some wartime all-star extravaganza films made. They varied in quality, pretty much all with plenty to enjoy but with missteps. Both in music and performances. As well as my love for classic film, my main reason for seeing 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' was the cast, an amazing who's who of some of the finest talent (actors, dancers and singers) during this period. Frank Loesser was an immensely gifted song-writer, both for stage and film.
'Thank Your Lucky Stars' is a very uneven film. Some of the performances work marvellously, while some fall flat. Some songs are better than others, and by quite a bit (with some great, some not so good). It is also one of those films that is not to be seen for its story, a common thing with the wartime extravaganza films. When 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' hits, it does so brilliantly. As the best performances and songs are really quite impressive, surprisingly so.
As said, 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' is not to be seen for its story. Which is paper thin, almost non-existent apart from with SZ Sakall and Edward Everett Horton, and silly, and the pacing is a bit all over the place. Sometimes perfect, at other time on the hectic side (some of Eddie Cantor's material seemed rushed through) and at other times rather draggy due to the dull subplot with Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie (both very appealing despite lacking material) and the overlong and syrupy contributions from Dinah Shore. Shore does sing beautifully, don't get me wrong, but her songs do slow the film down.
Did feel too that the film could have been shorter, with either less songs and not made some of them so long. Shore easily could have had one less song. Not all the songs work, particularly the sleeper that is "Love isn't Born", the syrupy contributions of Shore and despite Hattie McDaniel giving it everything "Ice Cold Katy" doesn't really hold up. Neither does some of the heavy handed finale. Likewise with the performances, instantly forgettable is the last thing one usually describes Humphrey Bogart but that's what he is here and Ann Sheridan is unusually dull.
Most of the cast come off very well indeed, with Cantor playing his holding things together send up role with enormous enthusiasm. He is an acquired taste but to me he was immensely enjoyable here. Bette Davis and Errol Flynn are also standouts, also thought Alan Hale and Jack Carson perform the heck out of "Way Up North" and Alexis Smith is one beguiling dancer. Spike Jones is also an absolute joy and it is his music that fares best. The standout musical numbers being "Hotcha Cornia", "They're Either too Young or Too Old" and the riotous "That's What you Jolly Well Get". Also enjoyed the jive number. Some nice use of pre-existing music in some of the songs.
It's a nice looking film, is directed with good control, is full of spirited choreography (especially the jive number), has wit and charm in the script and enough of the film is perky and entertains immensely.
Overall, so much is good and there is plenty to enjoy but there are also misfires in music and casting and the story lacks. Fun but lacks consistency. 7/10.
'Thank Your Lucky Stars' is a very uneven film. Some of the performances work marvellously, while some fall flat. Some songs are better than others, and by quite a bit (with some great, some not so good). It is also one of those films that is not to be seen for its story, a common thing with the wartime extravaganza films. When 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' hits, it does so brilliantly. As the best performances and songs are really quite impressive, surprisingly so.
As said, 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' is not to be seen for its story. Which is paper thin, almost non-existent apart from with SZ Sakall and Edward Everett Horton, and silly, and the pacing is a bit all over the place. Sometimes perfect, at other time on the hectic side (some of Eddie Cantor's material seemed rushed through) and at other times rather draggy due to the dull subplot with Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie (both very appealing despite lacking material) and the overlong and syrupy contributions from Dinah Shore. Shore does sing beautifully, don't get me wrong, but her songs do slow the film down.
Did feel too that the film could have been shorter, with either less songs and not made some of them so long. Shore easily could have had one less song. Not all the songs work, particularly the sleeper that is "Love isn't Born", the syrupy contributions of Shore and despite Hattie McDaniel giving it everything "Ice Cold Katy" doesn't really hold up. Neither does some of the heavy handed finale. Likewise with the performances, instantly forgettable is the last thing one usually describes Humphrey Bogart but that's what he is here and Ann Sheridan is unusually dull.
Most of the cast come off very well indeed, with Cantor playing his holding things together send up role with enormous enthusiasm. He is an acquired taste but to me he was immensely enjoyable here. Bette Davis and Errol Flynn are also standouts, also thought Alan Hale and Jack Carson perform the heck out of "Way Up North" and Alexis Smith is one beguiling dancer. Spike Jones is also an absolute joy and it is his music that fares best. The standout musical numbers being "Hotcha Cornia", "They're Either too Young or Too Old" and the riotous "That's What you Jolly Well Get". Also enjoyed the jive number. Some nice use of pre-existing music in some of the songs.
It's a nice looking film, is directed with good control, is full of spirited choreography (especially the jive number), has wit and charm in the script and enough of the film is perky and entertains immensely.
Overall, so much is good and there is plenty to enjoy but there are also misfires in music and casting and the story lacks. Fun but lacks consistency. 7/10.
Morale boosting at it's best.
Scaramouche20048 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
World War Two was a time when the studios and it's stars, all bought war bond's, all 'backed the attack' and urged everyone else in the free world to do the same.
Paramount seemed to be the headliner in this sort of all-star musical fayre, with films such as Star Spangled Rhythm etc, but that is not to say the other studios didn't play their part either.
Thank Your Lucky Stars is Warner Bros' effort. A chance for Lieutenant Colonel Jack L.Warner, Head of the Studio and commander of the U.S.A.A.F 'S First Motion Picture Unit, to lift the roof from his studio and let the wealth of talent flood out.
Eddie Cantor shows off what a great sport he was, by playing two parts. He plays an overly 'hammed' up and unpopular version of himself, a role with so much substance and screen time that it seems to fill the entire picture. Indeed he gives so much to this role that I find it amazing that he had the time or the energy to portray his second role as Joe the one-time dramatic actor who's career was cut short by his likeness to Cantor, who, now long forgotten, eeks out a living as a tour bus driver in Hollywood.
Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie are the two showbiz wannabes trying to break into the big time using Joes likeness to Cantor to land a radio spot for his voice and her song.
All of this rather uninspired action takes place however around a Cavalcade of Stars benefit for the war effort where several notable movie stars of the day, have pledged to appear.
So from here on in you can forget the rather scratchy, boring and predictable plot and just enjoy the cameos and musical numbers, by some of the Warner Brother's Elite.
The famous 'scene-stealer' Alan Hale and funny man Jack Carson do a wonderful vaudeville sketch. John Garfield thoroughly lampoons his gangster/tough guy image as he struggles his way delightfully though 'Blues in the Night.' And George Tobias, Ida Lupino and Olivia De Havilland (Yum Yum) play for laughs doing a Beebop number.
Dinar Shaw is given plenty of screen time to give us three lovely numbers, and even has time to grace us with a comic turn as she sparks off beautifully with Cantor.
However, the real high points of this movie are Bette Davies and Errol Flynn. Davies, in true Deitrich style, talks and groans through 'They're either too Young or too Old,' a song which became a huge hit thanks to her rendition in this picture. Her obvious lack of singing talent seemed not to matter as her true screen radiance seems to overshadow everything else. A classic number, wonderfully delivered.
Flynn in my opinion, is the best 'cameo' performance of the film. Sporting a large almost handle bar moustache he sings and dances through a comic number as a cockney man who's tales of daring do and bravado are only out sized by his apparent love of ale and is inability to pay for it. Each verse is a story of heroics which is obviously untrue, as he dances between the locals who are trying to kick him out....great! He seemed to perform his musical turn extremely well..a bit too well if you ask me. Maybe he should have made more musical appearances.
However some of the star turns fail quite badly..Ann Sheriden is pants but pretty, Humphrey Bogart is given so little chance that he might have well stayed at home in bed, and Hattie MacDaniel gives us a Harlem number which isn't too good to say the least. Hattie sings brilliantly but the material she has to deal with is awful.
Another interesting point is the politically correct nod to South America, who were still neutral but could have sided with the axis at the drop of a hat. 'Goodnight, Good Neighbour' sung by Dennis Morgan and danced superbly by the wonderful Alexis Smith, was political ass licking in musical form, an attempt to strengthen the bond between North and South and an attempt to influence their decision on who's side they should eventually fall if and when.
Still, if its Hollywood wartime nostalgia you want then watch Thank Your Lucky Stars. Hollywood Wartime nostalgia you'll get.
Paramount seemed to be the headliner in this sort of all-star musical fayre, with films such as Star Spangled Rhythm etc, but that is not to say the other studios didn't play their part either.
Thank Your Lucky Stars is Warner Bros' effort. A chance for Lieutenant Colonel Jack L.Warner, Head of the Studio and commander of the U.S.A.A.F 'S First Motion Picture Unit, to lift the roof from his studio and let the wealth of talent flood out.
Eddie Cantor shows off what a great sport he was, by playing two parts. He plays an overly 'hammed' up and unpopular version of himself, a role with so much substance and screen time that it seems to fill the entire picture. Indeed he gives so much to this role that I find it amazing that he had the time or the energy to portray his second role as Joe the one-time dramatic actor who's career was cut short by his likeness to Cantor, who, now long forgotten, eeks out a living as a tour bus driver in Hollywood.
Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie are the two showbiz wannabes trying to break into the big time using Joes likeness to Cantor to land a radio spot for his voice and her song.
All of this rather uninspired action takes place however around a Cavalcade of Stars benefit for the war effort where several notable movie stars of the day, have pledged to appear.
So from here on in you can forget the rather scratchy, boring and predictable plot and just enjoy the cameos and musical numbers, by some of the Warner Brother's Elite.
The famous 'scene-stealer' Alan Hale and funny man Jack Carson do a wonderful vaudeville sketch. John Garfield thoroughly lampoons his gangster/tough guy image as he struggles his way delightfully though 'Blues in the Night.' And George Tobias, Ida Lupino and Olivia De Havilland (Yum Yum) play for laughs doing a Beebop number.
Dinar Shaw is given plenty of screen time to give us three lovely numbers, and even has time to grace us with a comic turn as she sparks off beautifully with Cantor.
However, the real high points of this movie are Bette Davies and Errol Flynn. Davies, in true Deitrich style, talks and groans through 'They're either too Young or too Old,' a song which became a huge hit thanks to her rendition in this picture. Her obvious lack of singing talent seemed not to matter as her true screen radiance seems to overshadow everything else. A classic number, wonderfully delivered.
Flynn in my opinion, is the best 'cameo' performance of the film. Sporting a large almost handle bar moustache he sings and dances through a comic number as a cockney man who's tales of daring do and bravado are only out sized by his apparent love of ale and is inability to pay for it. Each verse is a story of heroics which is obviously untrue, as he dances between the locals who are trying to kick him out....great! He seemed to perform his musical turn extremely well..a bit too well if you ask me. Maybe he should have made more musical appearances.
However some of the star turns fail quite badly..Ann Sheriden is pants but pretty, Humphrey Bogart is given so little chance that he might have well stayed at home in bed, and Hattie MacDaniel gives us a Harlem number which isn't too good to say the least. Hattie sings brilliantly but the material she has to deal with is awful.
Another interesting point is the politically correct nod to South America, who were still neutral but could have sided with the axis at the drop of a hat. 'Goodnight, Good Neighbour' sung by Dennis Morgan and danced superbly by the wonderful Alexis Smith, was political ass licking in musical form, an attempt to strengthen the bond between North and South and an attempt to influence their decision on who's side they should eventually fall if and when.
Still, if its Hollywood wartime nostalgia you want then watch Thank Your Lucky Stars. Hollywood Wartime nostalgia you'll get.
How Thick the Corn, How High the Ham
atlasmb9 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Thank Your Lucky Stars starts with two producers trying to get Dinah Shore to appear in their all star benefit. When one producer (Dr. Schlenna played by SA.Z. Sakall) says in his thick German accent he wants Dinah Shore, I think he says dinosaur. Speaking of dinosaurs, Eddie Cantor plays a caricature of himself and also plays a poor schlep who wants to break into show biz, but is thwarted because he looks like Eddie Cantor (what?).
Shot during the shortages of WWII, you might think there's a talent shortage, but this film has plenty of talent. Unfortunately, it's used in hammy, half-baked scenes and performances. Just when I thought I couldn't take any more of this 2nd class collection of scenery-chewing and bad lyrics, I started enjoying the show. Yes, I said it. It surprised me, too. The movie is pure corn and I was eating it up. This collection of resurrected vaudeville zingers and minstrel show prancing somehow wormed its way into my heart. Maybe it's the puerile pratfalls or the gee-whiz dialogue or the one-joke skits or the Humphrey Bogart look alike... Hey wait, can that be the real Bogie? Don't fight it. Embrace the film. Get on to enjoying this diversion from the realities of war in 1943.
Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie play the two romantic leads.
Most of the soundtrack is by by Schwartz and Loesser, but these are some of Loesser's lesser efforts, often sung by B-grade singers. Still, the novelty of seeing Bette Davis singing, for example, is engaging.
By the time we get to the actual Cavalcade of Stars, we have an opportunity to see some bona fide stars in some interesting musical numbers.
Note the great pas de trois. Great dancing.
And my favorite part of the movie: the jive performance of "The Dreamer" by Ida Lupino, Olivia De Havilland and George Tobias. What gum-smacking fun!
There are real rewards if you stick with this film.
Shot during the shortages of WWII, you might think there's a talent shortage, but this film has plenty of talent. Unfortunately, it's used in hammy, half-baked scenes and performances. Just when I thought I couldn't take any more of this 2nd class collection of scenery-chewing and bad lyrics, I started enjoying the show. Yes, I said it. It surprised me, too. The movie is pure corn and I was eating it up. This collection of resurrected vaudeville zingers and minstrel show prancing somehow wormed its way into my heart. Maybe it's the puerile pratfalls or the gee-whiz dialogue or the one-joke skits or the Humphrey Bogart look alike... Hey wait, can that be the real Bogie? Don't fight it. Embrace the film. Get on to enjoying this diversion from the realities of war in 1943.
Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie play the two romantic leads.
Most of the soundtrack is by by Schwartz and Loesser, but these are some of Loesser's lesser efforts, often sung by B-grade singers. Still, the novelty of seeing Bette Davis singing, for example, is engaging.
By the time we get to the actual Cavalcade of Stars, we have an opportunity to see some bona fide stars in some interesting musical numbers.
Note the great pas de trois. Great dancing.
And my favorite part of the movie: the jive performance of "The Dreamer" by Ida Lupino, Olivia De Havilland and George Tobias. What gum-smacking fun!
There are real rewards if you stick with this film.
I often don't like most musicals but I liked this one quite a bit.
planktonrules20 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was like an amateur musical review combined with a movie about how the review was being organized. There are two main reasons I really liked the film:
First, it didn't take itself too seriously and Eddie Cantor was fantastic. Not only were his songs fun, but his self-deprecation was greatly appreciated. Throughout the movie he played two guys--himself and a guy who just happens to look like him. As himself, he was shown as a fat-headed and very insecure boob! He really played this up to the hilt! The other guy, though interesting, wasn't quite as funny a character. However, at the very end of the film, the "real" Cantor was taken to the Mental Hospital (presumably for good) and the "fake" one assumed the other's life!
Second, although some of the song and dance numbers were marred by the fact some of the Warner Brothers celebrities sing like cats in heat (especially John Garfield, though George Tobias wasn't much better), others were fun and made the most of the stars' limited abilities (Errol Flynn and especially Bette Davis, who I know sang HORRIBLY since I have a recording of her screeching on Broadway--oh, the pain). Plus, a few even did excellent jobs, such as Alexis Smith and Ann Sheridan. I can't count Dennis Morgan, Eddie Cantor or Dinah Shore because they were well-known for their singing.
So, in conclusion, I am not a big fan of musicals and I hate most studio review films. However, this one was good because it was light-hearted and fun.
First, it didn't take itself too seriously and Eddie Cantor was fantastic. Not only were his songs fun, but his self-deprecation was greatly appreciated. Throughout the movie he played two guys--himself and a guy who just happens to look like him. As himself, he was shown as a fat-headed and very insecure boob! He really played this up to the hilt! The other guy, though interesting, wasn't quite as funny a character. However, at the very end of the film, the "real" Cantor was taken to the Mental Hospital (presumably for good) and the "fake" one assumed the other's life!
Second, although some of the song and dance numbers were marred by the fact some of the Warner Brothers celebrities sing like cats in heat (especially John Garfield, though George Tobias wasn't much better), others were fun and made the most of the stars' limited abilities (Errol Flynn and especially Bette Davis, who I know sang HORRIBLY since I have a recording of her screeching on Broadway--oh, the pain). Plus, a few even did excellent jobs, such as Alexis Smith and Ann Sheridan. I can't count Dennis Morgan, Eddie Cantor or Dinah Shore because they were well-known for their singing.
So, in conclusion, I am not a big fan of musicals and I hate most studio review films. However, this one was good because it was light-hearted and fun.
Warner Stars on the Loose!
dougandwin22 July 2004
Clearly made for morale purposes during the war, this excuse to show off the Warner Brothers stars is a lot of fun, but there are some really low spots too! Let's get those out of the way first - the Alan Hale & Jack Carson number just did not work at all, while the Ann Sheridan number "Love isn't Born, it's Made" was a bummer. While Bette Davis talked her way through her number, it was fun: Errol Flynn was an eye-opener: Olivia de Havilland/Ida Lupino were good but Humphrey Bogart should have been in it instead of George Tobias: Hattie McDaniel's number was a nice switch for her also. Dennis Morgan/Eddie Cantor/Joan Leslie as the links in the story were adequate, but it really took S.Z. Zakall and Edward Everett Horton to hold it together.
Warner's Hollywoodland, 1943
wes-connors20 September 2011
All-around entertainer Eddie Cantor has a dual role in this Warner Bros. studio revue, playing himself and an aspiring dramatic actor named "Joe Simpson" who can't find work because people laugh when they see him. The plot is initially interesting due to Mr. Cantor's comic situation, but it wears thin quickly. Although he was his studio's biggest star in 1943, Humphrey Bogart is billed first due to the alphabet; he appears only briefly. Cantor is supported mainly by Joan Leslie (as Pat Dixon) and Dennis Morgan (as Tommy Randolph), likable as a songwriter and singer.
Of the superstar cameos, Bette Davis is most showcased; she sings "They're Either Too Young or Too Old" (a hit for Kitty Kallen). Another non-singer, Errol Flynn is surprisingly good, singing and dancing an English ditty called "That's What You Jolly Well Get". Then record and radio star Dinah Shore is featured relatively prominently. These variety movies became very popular when sound films became vogue as audiences could see several of their favorite stars singing, dancing, and participating in a variety of skits. During World War II, they had a resurgence in popularity.
***** Thank Your Lucky Stars (9/25/43) David Butler ~ Eddie Cantor, Joan Leslie, Dennis Morgan, Bette Davis
Of the superstar cameos, Bette Davis is most showcased; she sings "They're Either Too Young or Too Old" (a hit for Kitty Kallen). Another non-singer, Errol Flynn is surprisingly good, singing and dancing an English ditty called "That's What You Jolly Well Get". Then record and radio star Dinah Shore is featured relatively prominently. These variety movies became very popular when sound films became vogue as audiences could see several of their favorite stars singing, dancing, and participating in a variety of skits. During World War II, they had a resurgence in popularity.
***** Thank Your Lucky Stars (9/25/43) David Butler ~ Eddie Cantor, Joan Leslie, Dennis Morgan, Bette Davis
The best variety show for the troops
HotToastyRag18 June 2020
I've seen several variety shows made for the troops in WWII, as well as some made during the Korean War, and Thank Your Lucky Stars is by far my favorite. If all you've seen are The Stage Door Canteen and Starlift, you've got to rent this one to put a good taste in your mouth. Not only is the premise decent, but the dialogue is hilarious and the songs are cute! In most of these types of movies, all you'll get are terrible leftover songs that no other movie wanted, a nonexistent plot, and crummy dialogue.
S.Z. Sakall and Edward Everett Horton are putting on a star-studded variety show, and they want Dinah Shore to join their cast. However, Dinah's tied to a contract with Eddie Cantor, and the fellows don't want anything to do with him. He has a reputation for taking over everything, and they want to be in charge of their own show.
Speaking of taking over, Eddie Cantor plays a dual role in this movie. He also plays a lowly wannabe actor who pays his bills by giving Hollywood tours. He's constantly stopped in the street by people who think he's Eddie Cantor, and he can't stand it. His pals, Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie, are determined to break into the movie business, too, and they hope to perform in the all-star gala.
There are so many cute and catchy songs, it's hard to choose a third favorite. Obviously, the most adorable number is Errol Flynn's "That's What You Jolly Well Get," that he sings with a hilarious Cockney accent, an exaggerated mustache wiggle, and an endless quest for just one drink. He's such a doll, and it's the only time you'll get to see him cut loose singing and dancing. Had he lived five more years, he would have made a perfect Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady! Second place goes to Bette Davis honoring every branch of the Armed Forces in "They're Either Too Young or Too Old," as she tells the camera why she's determined to wait for her sweetheart to come home from the service.
Olivia De Havilland, Ida Lupino, and George Tobias have a silly little ditty to perform, but the two ladies are adorable with curly wigs, puffy sleeves, and bobby socks. Hattie McDaniel leads a catchy chorus number "Ice Cold Katie" to promote girls marrying their sweethearts before they ship off. So many people get to show off hidden talents in this movie, including Alan Hale, who sings and dances a duet with Jack Carson. Even John Garfield joins in on the fun. He'd be the first to admit he can't really sing, but he bluffs his way through "Blues in the Night" to entertain the troops. For a bit of naughty fun, Ann Sheridan sings alongside a chorus of girls in their nightgowns, and Eddie Cantor sings the suggestive "We're Staying Home Tonight." Dinah Shore gets to sing the title song, and Spike Jones pumps up the energy with an entertaining big band number. Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie sing a cute, toe-tapping country ditty, "Riding for a Fall."
See what I mean? It's just impossible to pick a third favorite. The songs are entertaining enough to warrant repeat viewings, but the dialogue in between is so funny, I couldn't stop laughing. I'd never been exposed to Eddie Cantor's humor before, but I found him hilarious, like a funnier Groucho Marx. "Let go of my toe, you heel!" I now order my kitty when she bites me, just as he said to the dogs licking maple syrup off his feet.
You've got to rent this movie, or better yet, buy a copy. You're going to want to watch it over and over again. I know I will! Where else will you get to see Bette Davis do the jitterbug, Errol Flynn admitting he doesn't sound like an opera singer, and Alexis Smith baring nearly all in a spectacular ballroom dance number? Only in Thank Your Lucky Stars. And if you need any more motivation to watch it, warm your heart with the knowledge that everyone in this movie donated their salaries to the Hollywood Canteen, founded by Bette Davis and John Garfield.
S.Z. Sakall and Edward Everett Horton are putting on a star-studded variety show, and they want Dinah Shore to join their cast. However, Dinah's tied to a contract with Eddie Cantor, and the fellows don't want anything to do with him. He has a reputation for taking over everything, and they want to be in charge of their own show.
Speaking of taking over, Eddie Cantor plays a dual role in this movie. He also plays a lowly wannabe actor who pays his bills by giving Hollywood tours. He's constantly stopped in the street by people who think he's Eddie Cantor, and he can't stand it. His pals, Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie, are determined to break into the movie business, too, and they hope to perform in the all-star gala.
There are so many cute and catchy songs, it's hard to choose a third favorite. Obviously, the most adorable number is Errol Flynn's "That's What You Jolly Well Get," that he sings with a hilarious Cockney accent, an exaggerated mustache wiggle, and an endless quest for just one drink. He's such a doll, and it's the only time you'll get to see him cut loose singing and dancing. Had he lived five more years, he would have made a perfect Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady! Second place goes to Bette Davis honoring every branch of the Armed Forces in "They're Either Too Young or Too Old," as she tells the camera why she's determined to wait for her sweetheart to come home from the service.
Olivia De Havilland, Ida Lupino, and George Tobias have a silly little ditty to perform, but the two ladies are adorable with curly wigs, puffy sleeves, and bobby socks. Hattie McDaniel leads a catchy chorus number "Ice Cold Katie" to promote girls marrying their sweethearts before they ship off. So many people get to show off hidden talents in this movie, including Alan Hale, who sings and dances a duet with Jack Carson. Even John Garfield joins in on the fun. He'd be the first to admit he can't really sing, but he bluffs his way through "Blues in the Night" to entertain the troops. For a bit of naughty fun, Ann Sheridan sings alongside a chorus of girls in their nightgowns, and Eddie Cantor sings the suggestive "We're Staying Home Tonight." Dinah Shore gets to sing the title song, and Spike Jones pumps up the energy with an entertaining big band number. Dennis Morgan and Joan Leslie sing a cute, toe-tapping country ditty, "Riding for a Fall."
See what I mean? It's just impossible to pick a third favorite. The songs are entertaining enough to warrant repeat viewings, but the dialogue in between is so funny, I couldn't stop laughing. I'd never been exposed to Eddie Cantor's humor before, but I found him hilarious, like a funnier Groucho Marx. "Let go of my toe, you heel!" I now order my kitty when she bites me, just as he said to the dogs licking maple syrup off his feet.
You've got to rent this movie, or better yet, buy a copy. You're going to want to watch it over and over again. I know I will! Where else will you get to see Bette Davis do the jitterbug, Errol Flynn admitting he doesn't sound like an opera singer, and Alexis Smith baring nearly all in a spectacular ballroom dance number? Only in Thank Your Lucky Stars. And if you need any more motivation to watch it, warm your heart with the knowledge that everyone in this movie donated their salaries to the Hollywood Canteen, founded by Bette Davis and John Garfield.
Thank Your Lucky Stars Minus a Big One!
macpet49-123 December 2009
If you're a classic Hollywood buff, then it's a treat to see so many famous faces doing things they normally weren't busy with like song and dance numbers. Unfortunately, the BIGGEST NO TALENT face among them, EDDIE CANTOR, is tightly interspersed throughout as some kind of unifying thread. How this man ever got a career is beyond legend. He must've slept with somebody big or had some dope on somebody up there because he is always an audition by a ham. I think he was a closet case as well because he does the most fey things imaginable which can occasionally be amusing but I'm sure this wasn't intentional. Can't sing, can't dance, can't act, can't tell a joke--not for nothing Cantor's films aren't rerun on TV often. The joy is in seeing a very young Dinah Shore, Bette Davis vocalizing, and Errol Flynn and Lupino/DeHavilland out of character. Enjoy and when Cantor comes on use it as a commercial break to go get some chips and dip in the kitchen.
A paltry talent revue--but, hey, Bette Davis gets to sing!
moonspinner5515 October 2005
Warner Bros. empties out its star-stable for a witless talent round-up. Eddie Cantor is the main focus here, playing both himself and a look-alike tour-bus driver trying to break into show business. Bette Davis' bit, singing the priceless "They're Either Too Young or Too Old", is the highlight here, and Davis-addicts should be feasting off this cameo for years (she's really quite delightful). The other guests (Dennis Morgan, Dinah Shore, John Garfield, Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, et al) aren't at all memorable with the colorless scraps they're handed. Tailor-made for the 1940s, this looks pretty hoary today. *1/2 from ****
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