Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Happy Landing (1938), 7-

Bandleader (Romero and manager (Ameche) discover skater (Henie) in Norway. They become rivals as she returns with them to America.
(102 min) Released 1938-01-21
Director: Roy Del Ruth
Stars: Sonja Henie, Don Ameche, Jean Hersholt, Ethel Merman, Cesar Romero, Raymond Scott & Quintet, Condos Brothers.
Harry Losee ... choreographer

Genres: Comedy | Musical | Sport
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030213/

Home of Condos Brothers (Nick and Steve) dancing the War Dance of the Wooden Indians (by Raymond Scott) in big headdresses and fringed clothing. Screen credit comes after the film as Condos Brothers, no first names.

Skating, the Merm, Condos and the rest of the Soundtracks:

  • 3:50 (for a few seconds) You Are the Music to the Words in My Heart sung by EM

  • 23:40 - 31:00 spectacular skating production number with dozens of skaters moving (and leaping over barrels) while SH skates. Song? Lyrics were English but not really intelligible.
  • 33:40 A Gypsy Told Me sung by Leah Ray

  • 36:45 Hot and Happy sung by EM
  • 46:30 instrumental War Dance of the Wooden Indians, 49:00-51:38 danced by Condos Bros
  • 56:20 casual skating in Central Park
  • 59:00 Yonny and His Oompah, 1:00:00-1:03:00 skated by SH alone; camera dances well with her
  • 1:04:00 45 sec montage of SH professional performances, including a slice from prior film
  • 1:08:20 A Gypsy Told Me sung by DA
  • 1:21:30 You Appeal To Me sung by EM
  • 1:33:45 You Appeal To Me skated by SH
  • 1:40 Hot and Happy skated by SH with 4 men in evening attire, Caped.

EM plays a violent woman, not just throwing things, but landing them on her target's head. CR plays a womanizer yet submissive (masochistic?). They're a match made for therapy.

I would love to see this in a theatre, or at least the official release for a clearer image during skating and Condos. Really like the emphasis of music over plot. And the skating is great.

Fox, dir. Del Ruth; 7-