The Great American Broadcast
by Archie Mayo
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Alice Faye, Cesar Romero, Jack Oakie, James Newill, John PayneDirector: Archie Mayo
Brand: Fox
Writer: Don Ettlinger
Writer: Edwin Blum
Writer: Helen Logan
Writer: Robert Ellis
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 90 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-10-07
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Movie Reviews of The Great American Broadcast
Movie Review: First rate musical comedy
Summary: 4 Stars
In 1941, Alice Faye was at the peak of her success. Her films were usually made to a very successful formula whereby she suffered at the hands of an insensitive leading man - singing through tears. This film adheres rigidly to the cliches, combining scenes from "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Tin Pan Alley", set to the advent of radio. The merits of the film are obvious:
- Alice herself, bright, amusing, energetic and very pretty
- A lively Jack Oakie on board for some hokey comedy
- John Payne, more animated than usual and with a real rapport with Faye
- first rate direction from Archie Mayo, a more dynamic director than the usual 20th Century Fox house directors. The film moves along with such speed that the cliches can almost be ignored
- an excellent Harry Warren score, particularly the haunting "Where you Are" which Alice sings in loving close up with the Ink Spots harmonising in the background
- outstanding supporting acts including the devastating dancing Nicholas Brothers and the witty and clever Wiere Brothers.
The production values are first rate with that great Fox sound and photography. As a history lesson, the script contains its share of inaccuracies and Faye's clothes are 1941 modern even though the film starts 20 years earlier but that was all part of the escapism.
The print has been restored and is in great condition. A very entertaining documentary is included. It ensures that the modern audience understand exactly how important radio was at the time and why the historical aspects of the film resonated with many members of the audience in 1941. The original trailer is included and the usual stills and advertising material. It seems that Alice Faye's qualities of warmth and naturalness are being rediscovered as well as that beautiful voice and this film is a worthy contributor to her re-birth. The DVD is excellent value as part of the Faye Collection Volume 2.
Summary of The Great American Broadcast
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