Kimmy Walker is a famous Broadway star, though people wouldn't recognize him because, like Al Jolson, he's famous for acting in black-face. One day, he and some friends go on the road and stumble upon a traveling theater group that appeals to the yokels. They are pretty good...for this sort of thing. However, they are in trouble because one of their roles needs an actor. It's a very tiny bit part, so just before the show they advertise for an actor--no experience necessary. Accidentally, Walker stumbles into the queue for potential actors and is given the part! Instead of telling anyone he's a professional actor, he goes along with the ruse and hams it up on stage--and almost ruining the show with his deliberate bad acting.
After the show, he instructs his friend (a Broadway producer) to offer the group a performance on Broadway...IF everyone in this production were included. They are shocked--and the leading lady (Bessie Love) must find that hammy actor, 'Harry Mann' to get him--even if he is a terrible actor.
Once on Broadway, the sophisticated audience can't help but laugh at the show. Try as they might, this sort of corny country show just won't make it in New York. But, what started as a joke now is very serious as Jimmy realizes the pain he caused Bessie--as he is in love with her and feels terrible for using her like this. See the rest of the film to see how it all plays out in the end.
This is one of those older films that will most likely offend a lot of viewers today. One of the main characters in the movie is supposedly a famous black-face actor! Minstrel shows, though a part of our history, are also pretty tacky, so beware when you watch the film. In addition, there is a gay character (or at least a very effeminate one who people assume is gay) along for the ride as comic relief. Again, with modern sensibilities, he is bound to irritate a few.
The film also has portions of it that look clearly inspired by the Buster Keaton short THE PLAY HOUSE-in which Buster gets to act in a Civil War melodrama and single-handedly ruins the show.
Still, despite these shortcomings, the film is light and enjoyable--and at one hour, just the perfect length for such a movie. Worth seeing--just hold on tight for the politically incorrect portions!! And, if necessary, take a sedative first!
After the show, he instructs his friend (a Broadway producer) to offer the group a performance on Broadway...IF everyone in this production were included. They are shocked--and the leading lady (Bessie Love) must find that hammy actor, 'Harry Mann' to get him--even if he is a terrible actor.
Once on Broadway, the sophisticated audience can't help but laugh at the show. Try as they might, this sort of corny country show just won't make it in New York. But, what started as a joke now is very serious as Jimmy realizes the pain he caused Bessie--as he is in love with her and feels terrible for using her like this. See the rest of the film to see how it all plays out in the end.
This is one of those older films that will most likely offend a lot of viewers today. One of the main characters in the movie is supposedly a famous black-face actor! Minstrel shows, though a part of our history, are also pretty tacky, so beware when you watch the film. In addition, there is a gay character (or at least a very effeminate one who people assume is gay) along for the ride as comic relief. Again, with modern sensibilities, he is bound to irritate a few.
The film also has portions of it that look clearly inspired by the Buster Keaton short THE PLAY HOUSE-in which Buster gets to act in a Civil War melodrama and single-handedly ruins the show.
Still, despite these shortcomings, the film is light and enjoyable--and at one hour, just the perfect length for such a movie. Worth seeing--just hold on tight for the politically incorrect portions!! And, if necessary, take a sedative first!