Hoopla

The biggest reason to watch "Hoop-La" is to see Clara Bow in her final film...which is amazing as she was only 28 when she made this picture. Is it a great film? Certainly not...but it's also not bad at all and is entertaining despite the clichés.

When the film begins, Nifty (Preston Foster) is upset to see his son has left his studies to come hang out at his father's carnival. The carnival life in this film is quite seedy and Nifty doesn't want his grown son to become a low-life like his friends and coworkers. Unfortunately, he lets the kid stay for a bit...and Lou (Bow) is paid by Nifty's 'girlfriend' to vamp the kid. Amazingly, though, the hard as nails Lou soon finds herself in love with the naive young man. Now what's she to do?!

This film is clearly a Pre-Code picture due to its sensibilities. Stuff is often never said but it's clear Nifty's girl is cohabitating with him and that Lou is a thief and probably a prostitute. Racy like many Pre-Coders...but also vague like many of them as well.

So is it any good? Well, it's fair. The film promotes the old 'Hooker with a heart of gold' myth and is predictable...but it's also entertaining. For fans of Bow, it's worth your time. For others...it's a coin toss.