Spotlight Scandals

"Spotlight Scandals" is a film starring Frank Fay and Billy Gilbert. While many will recognize Gilbert from his many supporting performances with the like of Laurel & Hardy and the Three Stooges, Fay has become a very obscure performer...mostly due to his abrasive personality. Just read up on the guy....you'll understand what I mean.

When the film begins, Frank is out of work and about to be tossed out of his room. However, he's a fast-talker and manages to stay afloat....barely. When he meets Billy, he thinks they'll make a good comedy team and very soon, they're a huge success with their own variety show. What's next for this talented duo? See the film.

The best reasons to see the movie is to see Fay, Gilbert and Harry Langdon as well as a brief role by Snub Pollard. Apart from that, honestly, it's TOUGH going and it's like being forced to see a local talent show. The impersonators (both Jose and the comedy trio) are, at best, annoying and awful. The singing and dancing numbers are not particularly good either. I assume much of this is because it's a Monogram film....and Monogram was a so-called 'Poverty Row' company because of their very limited budgets and low production values. They simply couldn't afford better.

So is this worth seeing? Probably not unless you are interested in seeing old-time comedians. As for me, I think Gilbert came off best as he had a very likable screen persona. At best, a time-passer for most.