Feudin' Rhythm

Peculiar co-feature with comedy and songs served as a showcase for the singing talents of country-and-western star Eddy Arnold, who performs three songs and also gives a soft-spoken performance modeled on his own laid-back persona. The muddled story has something to do with a musical cowboy radio program whose host is hoping to move the show to television; unfortunately, his producer (a society matron with high artistic ideals) would rather hear Shakespeare than cattle calls. Arnold (strumming on a monogrammed guitar) is told to scram by the old battle-axe for fear of upsetting her bratty nephew, who is actually Eddy's son from a marriage that ended with the wife's death (apparently during child-birth). Interesting that a widower father would not be allowed to raise his own child, nor be welcomed to take part in the youngster's life! This little hellion (known for playing corny pranks and yelling "Bo-i-i-ing!!") is a nuisance, though Arnold's polite under-playing is a welcome relief to the slapstick chaos. The other musical acts (such as a hillbilly duo named Mustard & Gravy, who do one scene in black face!) are fairly forgettable, as is Gloria Henry playing a secretary (she's dressed to kill, but runs around answering phones and patting people on the back). Only worth-seeing for Eddy Arnold-buffs and B-movie masochists. *1/2 from ****