Author Archive: Retro

Helier, Pat Paterson, Kay Hammond. Noel Coward’s first major work as a composer, filmed by the team of Wilcox-Neagle. Sentimental operetta creaks a bit, but the story of young love in 1880 Vienna is a must for musical theater buffs. Lovely score includes

Claire Tree is a singer/dancer who goes after what she wants in a straight-forward, no-nonsense manner, so when she finds herself in the New York City hotel-suite, in fashionable Peacock Alley, of Stoddard Clayton, she wastes no time. Claire wants to get married. But, Stoddard, whom she cares for very much, has several proposals directed at her, none of which sound remotely like a marriage proposal; Claire tells him, in her straight-forward, no-nonsense manner that she wants to get married because, in her words: “I’m running away from the doubts and uncertainty and problems of a woman who isn’t married.” Stoddard thinks that nuptial bonds is a stupid old-fashioned tradition and fatal to romance. She says any man who says that is lying, and when she departs his suite at the crack of dawn, she seems convinced Stoddard indeed believes what he said he believed. But Claire has another option awaiting her…a Texan from home, [...]

Recalling her own rocky road to success, a former opera singer refuses to allow her daughter to take the stage, so it’s up to singer Michael Bartlett to convince her otherwise. Dir. Aubrey Scotto

Singing star moves to a new home and falls for her neighbor, a cartoonist with a young son, who resents her involvement with his dad. Dir. Richard Sale

Hillbilly singer helps a toy company mogul and his daughter when their car breaks down in the woods, and is given a show on the rich man’s radio station. The daughter’s affection for the hillbilly irks the radio station manager, who has his own plans for her. Songs include: “Just a Country Boy at Heart”, “One Girl in My Arms”, “You’re My Strongest Weakness” & more. Dir. Marshall Neilan

Roy is a young lawyer and has little to do in this movie.

Terry Arden (Evelyn Dall) travels to England to take over her half of her late fathers dating service run by Arthur Bowman (Arthur Askey). An enjoyable musical comedy.

The Show Must Go On…despite financial problems–Based on the hit Broadway revue. Songs include “C’est si Bon” performed by Eartha Kitt. Written by Ronny Graham, Paul Lynde, and Mel Brooks. Dir. Harry Horner

South American tour guide steers traveller toward romance with native girl. Songs include: “Tra-La-La”, “Rhythm of the Rio”, and “Ay, Ay, Ay”. Dir. Erle C. Kenton. Ay, Ay.