POINTED HEELS

William Powell and Fay Wray

POINTED HEELS (1929). Director: A. Edward Sutherland. Colorized.  

"I was so afraid you were going to be sensible -- and go away." -- Lora.

Broadway producer Robert Courtland (William Powell) is interested in the mildly talented Lora Nixon (Fay Wray of King Kong and Queen Bee) but she leaves the show to marry the wealthy Donald Ogden (Phillips Holmes of Beauty for Sale). Learning of his marriage, Donald's furious mother cuts him off without a penny and he and his new wife move into a dingy flat. Lora's brother, Dash (Richard "Skeets' Gallagher), has an act with his wife Dottie (Helen Kane), and they interest Courtland -- who is still attracted to Lora -- in their show, which they threaten to sink by suddenly deciding to act all "refined." Courtland can't help but notice a rift in the Ogden's marriage -- musician Donald can't quite deal with Lora being the breadwinner -- but will he take advantage of the situation? 

Phillips Holmes

Pointed Heels is a charming old musical, an early sound film, that features some good performances from the three leads although it frequently eschews logic. For instance, why would Donald feel out-classed by Lora when his score is being used for the new musical and she only has a supporting part? And one could certainly raise their eyebrows at Courtland's technique for loosening up the Nixons -- he gets them drunk before sending them out on stage on opening night! As well, Donald is working on a "symphony" but the passages we hear don't exactly sound like classical music. The songs in this include "Ain't Ya" and "I Have to Have You." Helen Kane only appeared in eight films but she became famous as the basis of Max Fleischer's cartoon character Betty Boop and even originated the phrase "Boop-boop-deboop." She sued Fleischer but lost, even though Betty Boop was clearly inspired by her. A. Edward Sutherland also directed Follow the Boys and many others. 

Verdict: Minor but fairly nice old musical with interesting players. ***.