In Faye's only film for Universal Studios she plays the star of a show bound for Broadway. Producer Murray discovers that their opening night on the Great White Way conflicts with a big charity event for the Milk Fund. The show seems doomed until Murphy, a waiter, suggests making tickets
impossible to get, thus stirring interest in the production. Murray loves the idea, and has Murphy pose as a wealthy oilman who has bought all the tickets for opening week out of love for Faye. The scheme appears to be working when Meek enters the scene, suggesting to Faye that Murphy be signed to
an advertising contract. To complicate matters, Murray has missed some payments for costumes and sets, threatening the show's opening. Faye forges Murphy's name on a contract to get some much needed cash from Meek. Murray gives Meek a 50 percent interest in the show, but things come to a head when
he learns Murphy's signature is fake. Meek threatens Murray and Murphy with legal action, but finally agrees to wait and see what an important critic has to say about the show. Devine and Oswald manage to get the critic to applaud, making the show a hit. Meek gets back his money, while Murphy and
Faye are wed.
This is a slight musical, with a largely unbelievable plot. There's also a "tribute" to the late Will Rogers in the film, one that is more maudlin than reverent. The script is stale, and Butler's direction is uninspired. In spite of the weaknesses, Faye gives it everything she's got, and dances
some dandy numbers with Murphy. The music helps as well, with some enjoyable tunes. Songs include: "You're a Sweetheart," "Broadway Jamboree," "My Fine Feathered Friend," "Who Killed Maggie?" "Oh, Oh Oklahoma" (Harold Adamson, Jimmy McHugh), "Scraping the Toast" (Murray Mencher, Charles Tobias),
"So It's Love" (Mickey Bloom, Arthur Quenzer, Lou Bring). The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Interior Decoration. A remake, COWBOY IN MANHATTAN, followed in 1943. leave a comment
