(86 min) Released 1935-11-28
Director: George Marshall
Stars: Will Rogers, Dorothy Wilson, Russell Hardie, Bill Robinson
Genres: Comedy
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026524/
This was WR's (1879-1935) last released film, one of 2 released posthumously.
Although there was no soundtrack listing for this film, my gut told me that Bill Robinson (1878-1949) would not appear in a film of this vintage without dancing, and boy was I right. He dances MORE in this film than in The Big Broadcast of 1936. Here's what and where:
- 6:45-7:26 kitchen, washing dishes
- 15:30-16:40 entry to distract
- 37:00-41:55 setting table, "humming", then teaching WR a simple step
- 58:45-1:01:10 entertains at party with black orchestra, dancing to medley of songs
BR in an integral part of the story, interacting frequently with WR and other characters, and appears throughout. He has 14 film credits, 1930-43.
This is an OK comedy, having none of WR's political humor or life wisdom, but still illustrates why audiences loved WR. He is very natural onscreen and likable, shy yet able to stand up for what's right. I like the comment that he conquered every medium he attempted (vaudeville, Broadway, radio, silent and sound movies, print), and if he'd lived long enough, he'd probably have succeeded on TV too.
Fox, dir. Marshall; 6
