Sorry, this movie sucks

Memorable, crazy movie

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

WARNING: This film includes a musical number done in blackface. If that offends you, avoid this film or shut your eyes during this performance.This musical romance is practically the only Hollywood film I know of(aside from "With a Song in my Heart) where the music is virtually non-stop from beginning to end, occasionally interrupted by segments of the drama, which is mainly about the growing relationship between performers Blossom Seeley(Betty Hutton),and Benny Fields(Ralph Meeker). This film was meant as a tribute to these two popular entertainers during their early careers, beginning with the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Betty sings solo or with Ralph for most of the songs, with Ralph getting the occasional solo. According to other reviewers, his singing was dubbed, perhaps also his piano playing?For those put off by Betty's frequent mugging and "overacting" in many of her films, you can be assured that she keeps this to a minimum here, perhaps in deference to the singing style of Blossom. Henry Slate and Sid Tomack represent a couple of performing partners of Benny when Blossom discovers him. They join Blossom's team for a short while, with their comical musical performances. Jack Benny briefly appears, his main function being to announce the marriage of Blossom and Benny Fields. Later, these 2 get a "Good luck" telegram from Jack, sent COD. That's in keeping with Jack's public image of being extraordinarily stingy.When Betty(Blossom) complains about Benny's periodic disappearing act because he wants to show he can make it on his own, confident Billie Bird quips that her problem with her husband was that he wouldn't run away.Many of the songs were only briefly sung. However, the blackface production was rather lengthy...The film ends with Betty and Ralph singing the title song, previously composed by the Gershwins.See it in color at YouTube.

In her last major film, Betty Hutton gives a great performance in the story of Blossom Seeley, a legendary star of the early 20th century.Subduing her usual bop character for the more sedate style of Blossom Seeley, Betty Hutton perfectly captures the mood and pace of the teens and 20s. Singing some great standards and few new songs, Hutton exudes warmth and an era long gone. Blossom Seeley was a major star of the early 20th century, one of the biggest vaudeville stars.Seeley made a few film appearances, her best being a Vitaphone short in 1928 with Benny Fields. This short film is available on DVD.Hutton looks great, sings great, and turns in a boffo performance. Ralph Meeker is dubbed and seems uncomfortable in a musical. Solid support from Robert Keith, Billie Bird, Sid Tomack, and Henry Slate.Sadly, this was the end of Betty Hutton's studio career in Hollywood. She made this film the same year as starring in THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. She made several TV specials and guest appearances but appeared in only one more film: 1957's SPRING REUNION. One of the biggest stars of the 40s, she was tossed aside by the studio system.Hutton's performance in this films ranks among her best. Worth a look to see one great star impersonating another great star.

This film is noted as the last of the big Betty Hutton films before her first "retirement" from the spotlight. The story is a biography of the famous Vaudevillian Blossom Seeley and her husband Benny Fields. What really distinguishes this film is the soundtrack of Betty's singing of a bushel of old-time songs in her inimitable style. She acts with her usual panache. Ralph Meeker plays Benny Fields in much the same way that John Lund played Betty's paramour in "The Perils of Pauline." Billie Bird is a standout as Essie, Blossoms' friend and confidant. Betty would come out of her "retirement" to play in the 1957 film "Spring Reunion" and then appear in the 1959-60 CBS sitcom "The Betty Hutton Show."

Betty Hutton was one of the greatest musical performers of her day. Not only did she sing great but she could be funny/serious at a drop of a hat. This was her last major film before she walked out of Paramount(her studio) and eventually left movies.Here she is playing stage star Blossom Seeley. The acting is good and the script is typical for a Bio-pic. A nice little story with some good musical numbers. I saw this one many years ago and enjoyed it. Maybe the reason it didn't do so well at the Box Office is because she is playing an almost all dramatic role here. If you have seen any of her other films, you know that Betty Hutton is best loved for her comedic talent.If you love Betty Hutton, then this is a must see(8/10). If you want something to pass the time with, and you like musicals, then you might enjoy this one(6/10).