1h 40min | Adventure, Comedy, Musical, Romance | 25 December 1947
Director: Norman Z. McLeod
Stars: Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, Gale Sondergaard, The Wiere Brothers, The Andrews Sisters.
Billy Daniel ... dances staged by
Bernard Pearce ... dances staged by
5 songs written by Johnny Burke & Jimmy Van Heusen, and 5 songs with a Latin flavor. Seems really late for the Good Neighbor Policy. But 4 of the Latin (hopefully Brazilian) songs have no performer listed; I'm not sure they aren't just background. There was some dancing by Bob & Bing at least twice, by the WB, and also a pair of Latin couples. My overall impression is that there wasn't enough music performed. Enough to qualify as a Musical, but not enough for me.
The Wiere Brothers not only get a song in the spotlight, but do their physical comedy for a few scenes. They're supposed to not speak English, but learn to each recite a slang sentence on cue. They're good with dancing/tumbling together. Sort of a non-glib Ritz brothers.
The plot reinforces the idea that some people can be hypnotized into doing things against their will. DL is the victim; GS is the perfect villain, as always.
Prior rating of 6 gets some garnish.
Paramount, dir. McLeod; 6+
