In Artists and Models, a musical comedy directed by the versatile Raoul Walsh at Paramount, Jack Benny, in one of his first starring roles, plays Mac Brewster, an advertising executive who tries to land a silverware account, and then hold on to it as his biggest client.
The artists of the title include the gifted comedian-cartoonists Peter Arno and Rube Goldberg.
The silver company is run by Alan Townshend (Richard Arlen), who employs in the office Paula Sewell (Ida Lupino), a woman longing to compete in the Artists and Models Ball and win the title of Queen.
Poor Paula: professional models are frowned upon at the Ball, and all entrants must be debutantes. Among them is the snooty Cynthia Wentworth (Gail Patrick), who looks to be a shoo-in to win. But Paula has a plan of how to win the desirable crown—and more.
Among the highlight is a scene in which the brilliant jazz musician Louis Armstrong performs a tune with Martha Raye.
Oscar Nominations: 1
Song; Whispers in the Dark, music by Frederick Hollander; lyrics by Leo Robin
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
The Best Song Oscar Award went to Harry Owens’ “Sweet Leilani” from the musical, “Waikiki Wedding.”
Credits:
Paramount
Running time: 95 Minutes.
Directed by Raoul Walsh.
Cast:
Jack Benny as Mac Brewster
Ida Lupino as Paula Sewell
Richard Arlen as Alan Townsend
Gail Patrick as Cynthia Wentworth
Ben Blue as Jupiter Pluvius II
Judy Canova as Toots/Specialty