The Big Broadcast of 1938

A bad movie, but with one reel that is worth savoring. For most of the film, the jokes are bad, the songs are bad, even W.C. Fields is bad. Then there is one sequence with Bob Hope and his movie-ex; the dialogue is witty and the song (a version of "Thanks for the Memories") light, cynical and delightful. Who parachuted in for this one bit? Yet it makes the whole thing worth the original 25 cents admission.

This was the first Bob Hope film I'd ever seen, and I saw it on Hope's 100th birthday in Cleveland, Ohio where he'd grown up. Although I liked some of the other 10 films in the Cinematheque tribute, this was probably my least favorite, but it did have its moments . . . and memories. Does anyone else think that Walter Matthau sounds a little like W.c. Fields in this film?

Enjoyable blend of surreal comedy, sappy romance, and variable music, with a crazy plot that matters about as much as it does in the Marx Brothers movies (to some of which this is actually superior). Highlights include the innovative cartoon / live-action interaction, Bob Hope and Shirley Ross' bittersweet "Thanks For The Memory" duet, Martha Raye's amazingly acrobatic dance number, and the lavish grand finale / ode to the waltz. W.C. Fields' comedy material is hit-and-miss; personally I would like to have seen more of his second character, the "serious" businessman. The special effects and miniatures are very well done for their time. **1/2 out of 4.

Lots of mainly young and beautiful stars of the thirties appear in this movie. Dorothy Lamour and Shirley Ross are knockouts with the zany Martha Raye as a comic foil. This is a great movie for black and white buffs. Some classic scenes in this movie: W. C. Fields in his best golf playing scenes ever. Martha Raye hugging and puffing with her big mouth against a sail to keep a life raft sailing toward a big ocean liner. Kirsten Flagstad from the Metropolitan opera delivering a Wagner aria. But the piece de resistance is Shirley and Bob singing what would later become Bob Hope's Theme song, "Thanks for the Memory." Although not listed in the cast, I saw Lucille Ball, probably with the most lines of any of her thirties' movies.

I really don't understand what some people expect when they watch an old movie like this. This one in my estimation, is light hearted and entertaining. It is a showcase for some of our greatest stars as they were just starting out. Is it their best effort? Probably not. But it is fun to watch if you don't take it too seriously. I'm awfully glad we have it around to watch. Being a fan of almost every star in it, I consider it a treasure chest of many favorites talent. W.C. Fields is wonderful through out the film. Some of his skits are hilarious! Bob Hope is so good in his role that you have to really feel sorry for his character. Of course the song "Thanks For The Memories" is forever linked to him with this film. Martha Ray is hilarious in another one of her zany roles. All in all, a very good and entertaining film to be watched over and over. A real, or reel part of history.