Author Archive: Retro

Filmed in England. A little girl is distressed and feeling guilty about losing wings for her costume in a school play. After noticing an angel, she follows it to a dark building. Upstairs in the attic, bathed in heavenly light, is an artist’s model, the Angel. The painter ascends a ladder until he is out of shot, implying a trip to heaven, and reappears to bring Amelia a pair of wings.

Mrs. McNitt is a social climber, intent on her daughter Phyllis marrying Larry Lodge, a handsome rich kid. She’s engaged a drama teacher, the punctilious Clifford Figfield, to cast Phyllis and Larry in a kissing scene. Her second husband, McNitt, gets a visit from his modest daughter, Sally, whom Mrs. McNitt wants out of sight. Larry meets Sally, she stands in during the kissing rehearsal, and Larry is now in love. It’s a rocky courtship when, Larry thinks she’s a maid who’s Mr. McNitt’s fluff on the side and when Mrs. McNitt tells Sally that Larry is a flirt engaged to Phyllis. Can it all be straightened out by the next day’s dress rehearsal? And what of Figfield?

Seven-year old Sammy Davis, Jr. plays Rufus Jones, elected president of the United States. Includes song and dance numbers performed by the talent himself.

Experimental color film, won 1935 Academy Award for Best Comedy Short Subject. Senor Martinez, a famous theater owner, visits a local cafe in Mexico because of its reputation of good food and to audition the renowned dancer who performs there. Martinez tells the cafe owner that if the dancer truly is talented, he will offer a contract to perform in his theater. The cafe’s female singer hears about this adn is determined that he won’t leave the cafe without her. A fascinating little gem.