1h 31min | Comedy | 7 February 1947
Director: William D. Russell
Stars: Eddie Bracken, Cass Daley, Virginia Welles, Spike Jones, Johnny Coy, Virginia Field.
Billy Daniel ... choreographer (as William Daniels)
Watched online, mediocre print.
He doesn't inherit anything; he strikes oil on his land by pumping his outdoor water pump (how often did THAT happen?)
Johnny Coy is actually the 5th billed, and I only recognize EB among the others; that's a big red flag. He dances to various radio songs to demonstrate various nightlife options as the bellboy settling EB into his hotel room, about 13 minutes in. Then at about 1:10, he recognizes the name of a movie producer who's received a telegram. When the producer answers his page, he puts the telegram in his pocket and dances all over the hotel lobby. I was particularly impressed when he jumped on the couches, and then jumped backward to land on a table. It's worth finding this movie for his dancing.
But EB and the plot, not so much. I don't find EB very compelling to watch, nor is the story about a radio interviewer who spontaneously promises listeners that if they send in their boxtops they'll be entered in a contest to date this millionaire. Why he falls for him is beyond me, especially when she knows his oil well runs dry.
The only fun-ish part (beyond JC's dancing) is the initial fish-out-of-water sequences, where EB wants to experience dining at an automat and riding the subway. Apparently nickels operated everything then.
Paramount, dir. Russell; 5+
