Starring Janet Gaynor, Charles Farrell, Raul Roulien, and Virginia Cherrill
Directed by David Butler
Music by George Gerswhin; Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Sunny Side Up was such a smash, Fox immediately put Gaynor and Farrell into more of the same. High Society Blues was also a hit, enough that despite musicals going out of style later that year, Fox had the confidence for a third go-around. This time, they recruited no less than George and Ira Gershwin to write the songs and some background scoring for this romance about an immigrant coming to America and the polo player she falls for. How well does this story look now, with immigration once again in the news? Let's begin on the ship, as we witness people from many countries performing songs in their native language while the wealthier first-class passengers watch them, and find out...
The Story: Heather Gordon (Gaynor) is a Scottish lass who first encounters Larry Beaumont (Farrell) when she and Russian immigrant Sascha (Roulien) borrow his piano so Sascha can compose a song for her. Larry's instantly smitten and offers to help her, which doesn't amuse his frigid fiancee Diana Van Bergh (Cherrill) one bit. Meanwhile, Sascha's sister Olga (Manya Roberti) is being courted by Larry's Swedish valet Chris Jansen (El Brendel).
Heather's horrified when it turns out the uncle she was supposed to live with can't afford to take her in and she'll be sent back to Scotland. She flees Detective O'Flynn (Laurence O'Sullivan) and hides in the stable that houses Larry's horse. It's taken to Larry's mansion, where Chris offers to watch over her. She runs into Larry there and takes off yet again, this time ending up back with Sascha and his family at their cafe. They let her into their act, which works until O'Flynn turns up looking for her. Larry's been hurt, and she wants to see him, but the jealous Diana initially bars entry. She thinks she has nowhere to turn, but once Chris gets Larry moving, he finally realizes who really cares about him.
The Song and Dance: Some of the "song and dance" here are among the most memorable and creative of the early talkie era. Gaynor struggles to maintain her Scottish accent, but she's otherwise just as adorable here playing a winsome lass who will do anything to stay in America. Roulien is warm and likable as the gifted composer with a crush on Heather, and Roberti has some very funny quips when the girls are on the boat together. Director David Butler once again puts in some of his best work, notably in the big "Melting Pot" and "New York Rhapsody" sequences, with their elaborate effects and effective montages.
Favorite Number: The movie opens with that series of traditional songs performed by the various ethnic groups on the ship, ending with Roberti's spirited "Oche Chornye." Roulien finally gets the title song on that piano, inspired by how Heather pronounces "Delicious" in her Scottish brogue. Gaynor sings to the camera about her dream lover again, this time hoping that "Somebody From Somewhere" will take her in. "Katinkshcka" is the number at the Russian cafe. Roberti and Mischa Auer want approval from their "dolly" Gaynor, who comes complete with exaggerated Russian costume and big circles on her cheeks. Brendel's "Blah Blah Blah" after Sascha and Heather announce their engagement is a dearly silly spoof of sappy lyrics in love songs.
The big ones here are two extended set pieces, both featuring Gaynor. Heather dreams of her entrance into America, "The Melting Pot." Reporters announce her arrival, the Mayor gives her the key to the city, Uncle Sams swirl around her, and even Mr. Ellis (of Island fame) greet her. "New York Rhapsody," later renamed "Second Rhapsody" in the concert halls, is heard in the finale when Heather flees into the city. This time, she's greeted by a nightmarish medley of images, as men accost her and the shadowy night threatens to swallow her tiny frame. The symphonic music finally reaches its crescendo as, believing she has no other choice, she turns herself in to the police.
What I Don't Like: I'm actually a bit grateful they didn't make Farrell sing this time, but he's otherwise even less interesting. Chemistry or no chemistry, there's really no reason for Larry and Heather to end up together, other than the two were one of Hollywood's most popular acting duos at the time. Frankly, Sascha was a far nicer guy who treated Heather well and was obviously a talented composer to boot. For all of Butler's innovative set pieces, there's just as many arid long shots of people standing around talking. While the Gershwins never wrote a bad score, the music here isn't their absolute best (although "Second Rhapsody" would later get some play in concert halls).
The Big Finale: Mainly for fans of the Gershwins' music or the stars in question. Everyone else will be fine looking up the amazing "Second Rhapsody" number separately.
Home Media: Only on YouTube, in a copy that, for some reason, substitutes weird upbeat instrumental music for "Second Rhapsody." The number can be found elsewhere with restored instrumentation.
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