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| Is this really a star? Ruby Keeler |
Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter), who has already had one nervous breakdown, is directing his new show, "Pretty Lady." His leading lady, Dorothy (Bebe Daniels), is carrying on with her former dance partner Pat (George Brent) behind the back of her supposed swain and chief angel, the ugly Abner, (Guy Kibbee). Peggy (Ruby Keeler), a show biz hopeful, is taken under the wing of both Pat, and hoofer Billy (Dick Powell). Tormented by her love for Pat, Dorothy drinks too much and has an accident -- but will Peggy be able to carry the whole show on her shoulders?
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| George Brent and Debe Daniels |
The production numbers were put together by Busby Berkeley, and of these the most inventive is the title tune. Some of the songs have become standards: "You're Getting to Be a Habit" and "Shuffle Off to Buffalo;" in particular. "Young and Healthy" makes use of a Berkeley invention: creating a kaleidoscope effect of the dancers shot from high overhead. Ginger Rogers has a small role in this and is not photographed flatteringly. It's easy to see why Keeler never really became a major star.
Verdict: Some great tunes, generally pleasant, but not really a classic. **1/2.
2 comments:
Keeler always danced like a horse. I suspect being married to Jolson helped in getting movie roles.
Susan Fleming (wife of Harpo Marx) while having a similar look, was a lot prettier than Keeler and was also a better actress and dancer.
I hate to be harsh on Ruby, but in at least one of those Berkeley films she vies with Joan Blondell for the attention of Dick Powell, and frankly that's less believable than the final production number in those movies.
Yes, I agree. Keeler was okay enough in supporting roles where she could shine in the right role, but when she plays the star she's biting off more than she can chew. I think the Jolson connection probably helped her a great deal! I think the career she had in middle-age on the stage was due to nostalgia.
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