Cheer Up and Smile

I like musicals and comedies as much as anybody, but you have to give me something to root for. "Cheer Up And Smile" is a flop on several levels; it's not funny, the songs are forgettable, the screenplay is lousy, and Arthur Lake is completely over-the-top hammy. He singlehandedly ruined the slender thread of the plot by chewing the scenery every time his grating presence was on the screen. Additionally, he can't carry a tune in a suitcase.

Well, I guess that covers all the bases. It was nice to see John Wayne on foot instead of in the saddle, and if you watched closely you could catch a glimpse of Ward Bond as an extra. The only cast member worthy of a pay check was Charles Judels, who lent some professionalism to the absurd storyline as the radio station manager. If it shows up on your TV, switch to a cooking show.