FILM REVIEWS

RKO Radio

William Seiter’s Technicolor film is a minor backstage musical, set in a saloon run by Randolph Scott, a reformed con man who has fled north from the law and opened a successful dancehall-gambling spot in Malamute.

The place features Gypsy Rose Lee and Dinah Shore as entertainers, and Bob Burns and Charles Winninger in supporting roles.

The plot is minimal: Scott’s former lover Belle (Gypsy Rose Lee), who he had deserted, arrives as part of a new show troupe. She comes into conflict eith Lettie Candless (Dinah Shore) who is also attracted to Scott.

The performances are energetic and so are the sprightly score and some of the musical numbers, which were nominated for Oscars

Oscar Nominations: 2

Song: “Sleighride in July,” music by James Van Heusen, lyrics by Johnny Burke

Scoring of a Musical Picture: Arthur Lange

Oscar Context

The Oscar Song winner was “It Might As Well Be Spring,” from “State Fair.” The Scoring Oscar went to the Gene Kelly vehicle, “Anchors Aweigh.”

Cast
Randolph Scott as Honest John Calhoun
Gypsy Rose Lee as Belle Devalle
Dinah Shore as Lettie Candless
Charles Winninger as Pop Candless
William Marshall as Steve
Florence Bates as Viola
Guinn ‘Big Boy’ Williams as Marshall Maitland
Robert Armstrong as George
Victor Kilian as The Professor
Edward Fielding as C.V. Atterbury
Wanda McKay as Cherie Atterbury
Charles Soldani as Fire Chief
Bob Burns as Sam Slade

Running time: 83 Minutes.