This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Friday, January 15, 2016

Idiot's Delight (#BOTB & Backstage Blogathon)

        Some of you might be old enough to remember "Double Features" at the theater.  Back then you'd buy a ticket to see not only two movies, but newsreels, cartoons, and other special features.   My allusion to this is because my post today has to do with movies.   And as I frequently do, I've combined two blogging events into a double feature of the Backstage Blogathon and Battle of the Bands.  Read on for more explanations of each event as well as my take on the film Idiot's Delight...

Backstage Blogathon


In the Backstage Blogathon (click on the link for more info and the list of participating blogs) participants pick a film made before 1970 that has something to do with the workings of show biz.  This is a blog hop that definitely fits my interests in show business.   In this post I'll be also presenting a Battle of the Bands between two songs from the film I've chosen.  But more on that later. First the film...  



Idiot's Delight

        When this film came on TCM this past November I was compelled to watch it and I'm glad I did.  I'd never heard of the film prior to that night, but after watching it I knew that I had my film for the Backstage Blogathon.

      What was not to draw me into watching this film?   It's a Clark Gable film made in 1939, the same year the actor starred in Gone With The Wind.  It's a film about vaudeville which is a subject that I'm very fond of.  And what about this:  Clark Gable plays the role of a vaudevillian song and dance man.  To my knowledge this is the only film where Gable can be seen singing and dancing and he does a pretty nice job of carrying it off.

       Based on an award-winning stage play, the film version of Idiot's Delight plays heavily on the comedic talents of Clark Gable.  The story is a fun romp that begins in the early days of vaudeville then spans World War One, the Great Depression, and the onset of the Nazi Occupation of Europe prior to the Second World War.  Gable's character goes from a relatively successful vaudeville act then through the decline of that entertainment era to the drudgery of touring small venues in Europe with a female back-up group called "Les Blondes".

        While passing through the Alps, Gable and the girls get stranded in a resort with an assortment of other travelers.  This is when things get interesting as we become aware that the Nazis have arrived and life as these travelers have known it is about to undergo some drastic change.

        No spoilers from me--you'll have to watch this film yourself if you're interested in the outcome.  Besides Gable's performance in the film, I enjoyed seeing another favorite actor, a young Burgess Meredith, playing the role of a peace activist.  He gives an impassioned antiwar speech that seems like a message from the scriptwriter--a unique interjection into the story.   Most of all I like the way show business and life on the road is depicted.   We see that all is not glitz and glamour as we see the reality of a typical performer's lifestyle.

         I found Idiot's Delight to be funny with fascinating political commentary and sexual suggestiveness without being overly lascivious or crude.  Nothing like we'd see in similar films in current times.  There is a smart subtlety to the dialogue.  There are also more serious and darker undertones that are not overbearing, but they exist as a matter of fact.

          Idiot's Delight is a show business film that I look forward to seeing again.  If you're a Clark Gable fan you've got to see this film if for no other reason than to see his song and dance performances.   I never knew he had that side to his talent.

Battle of the Bands


 Battle of the Bands is the blogging event first introduced by our friends at Far Away Series and  StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens twice each month on the 1st and 15th.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.
       I'm doing things a bit differently this time around in order to continue with my overview of the film Idiot's Delight.   In this Battle you don't have to necessarily judge according to the song versions presented here.   Vote instead on the song you like the best.   One song you undoubtedly know while the other is likely new to you.  Both songs appear in the film.


Clark Gable "Puttin' On The Ritz"  (1939)

        I'm sure most of you have heard this song.  "Puttin' on the Ritz" was written in 1927 by Irving Berlin.  Over the years the song has been heard in numerous movies and television shows.  In 1983 the song was revived to hit status by German synth-pop star Taco.  Whatever happened to that guy anyway?

        Here's "Puttin' on the Ritz" as performed by Clark Gable and Les Blondes in the 1939 film Idiot's Delight.  Don't necessarily judge the performance, but how much you like the song itself.




Ted Fio Rito   "How Strange"  (1939)

        This version isn't from the film.  However the song not only is part of the film soundtrack, but is also mentioned in the stage play by the original Russian name "Kak Stranna," originally a song by composer B.A. Prozorovsky and later adapted to English.  This song is quite different from "Puttin' on the Ritz", but maybe this style is more to your liking.





Time to Vote!

        This is nothing new to most of you, but if you're visiting a Battle of the Band post for the first time then let me briefly explain.  Please give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you prefer over the other.   If you don't like either then at least tell us which recording was least innocuous to you.  This comes down to your preference and it's as easy as that.

      Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours


Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:

FAR AWAY SERIES’ 

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

 ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ 

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

DC Relief Battle of the Bands

The Doglady's Den 

Angel's Bark  

Cherdo on the Flipside  

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

Janie Junebug Righting & Editing.
  
J. A. Scott  

Quiet Laughter

Holli's Hoots and Hollers

NovelBrews

Be ReInVintaged



Results on Friday January 22nd
      
        You've got a week to cast your vote, but try to do it soon so you don't forget!  I've got more planned for January including the opening of the A to Z Challenge Sign-Up List.  For information about the April A to Z Blog Challenge visit the official A to Z Blog.  


      My memoir blog Wrote By Rote is also participating in the Backstage Blogathon so I hope you'll visit that post as well.

       And if you've not yet signed up for the Lost & Found: Valentine's Blog Hop be sure to click the preceding link to read all about it.  

        Have you seen the film Idiot's Delight?   Have you read or seen the play?   Did you know that Clark Gable could sing and dance?   What are some films that took you by surprise?





82 comments:

  1. Wonderful post Lee, though these songs are before my time I prefer "Putting On the Ritz.
    Have a great week-end.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne, then again music is timeless when it's good and these are both good songs.

      Got your vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  2. We forget Meredith was young once. I only saw him in later films when he was older.
    I also prefer Putting on the Ritz.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex, I usually think of Burgess Meredith as The Penguin in the campy 60's Batman series. He was a good actor with a lot of roles in his career.

      Another vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  3. I prefer Putting on the Ritz....although I confess I prefer the Top 40 by Taco from 1983.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoJo, Taco's version was catchy. Tacos are pretty good to eat too. I can dig Taco Bell every once in a while.

      Another vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  4. I've never seen the movie. I DO like Clark Gable a lot, but I think I prefer him in a more dramatic role. I like Putting on the Ritz better, though I confess my favorite version of that song is the one in Young Frankenstein.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hart, running across this film was certainly a surprise for me. Even in his dramatic roles he manages to often add some humorous touches. He did have good comedic sense.

      Again a vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  5. Hi, Lee!

    I applaud you for coming up with yet another fascinating BOTB match-up. I especially appreciate it when you bring us material from the first half of the 20th century.

    I am not a Clark Gable fan and never thought of him as a song and dance man or as a comic actor. I learned something from this post. Gable's performance in this clip from Idiot's Delight convinces me of his talents in those disciplines. Thanks to your review it is a movie that I'd like to see.

    "Puttin' On the Ritz" is a catchy melody and song and too good to resist even without the added dimension of watching Gable and the gals perform it. I cast my vote for "Puttin On the Ritz!"

    Thanks, Lee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shady, I had seen some of Gable's comic films and thought he handled the genre of humor well. The song and dance was a complete surprise to me.

      This Battle may be heading for a shut-out!
      A vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  6. Idiot's Delight sounds like a fascinating movie and I'd like to see it. I'm especially intrigued by what happens when the Nazi's enter the picture. Can't imagine any of that being comedic.
    As for your battle, it's definitely Puttin' On the Ritz for me. I like the upbeat tune. And even though I didn't consider the performance in my voting, I really enjoyed seeing Clark Gable do his song and dance routine. I wonder how far out of his comfort zone he had to go for that??
    Nice battle!

    Michele at Angels Bark

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    1. Michele, I thought the Nazi angle was especially interesting though it's not overbearing to the story. The film has an interesting juxtaposition of the comic touch with a very serious side to it.
      I like that kind of blend.

      According to the account that I read, Gable practiced the numbers for 6 weeks in closed rehearsals. He was apparently very self-conscious about the singing and dancing. I think he stepped way out of his comfort zone for this and I'm glad he did so we now have this wonderful film.

      Again it's a vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  7. The movie sounds interesting; I'll definitely look for it. Who knew Clark Gable had a comedic streak and could sing and dance? That's quite a revelation! Puttin' on The Ritz is my choice for this battle, because the song is just catchier and more fun, although I did enjoy the performance as well. Your battles are always so unique. Great one, Lee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie, hope you let me know what you think if you're able to see this film. Even in GWTW I thought he demonstrated his comedic aptitude. He seems like he could be a very funny guy.

      Thanks for your words about my Battles.

      This one seems to be going in favor of Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  8. I'm at work so have to listen to the BOTB this eve and weekend. I love this film and I know this scene well. My favourite is the certain dance move he makes in Norma Shearer's direction and her reaction is perfect-made me laugh. I think many actors probably worked in vaudville at one time or another because it was so prevalent from the 1890's until the 1930's. People have no idea that Cary Grant worked in a circus. Great review of a wonderful film

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    1. Birgit, glad to finally have someone who knows this film. You're right about the multi-faceted aspect of the talents of folks in the early days of film. There are a lot of talented actors now as well, but I think studios back then put greater demands on the talent pool they had.

      I look forward to your song vote coming later.

      Lee

      Delete
  9. Such different music than what you hear today. It's true, I'm partial to the 80's remake of the Ritz song, but I had to look at this song on it's very own. The second song choice quite interesting. Can you imagine a song today not starting the vocals till half way into the song? So very different.
    It's a tough choice either way, but please give my vote to the second song. How Strange would this battle be if everyone picked the Ritz song? Can't have that.
    Vote - Ted Fio Rito

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeffrey, thank you for staving off the dreaded shut-out. It was common back in the big band era for the orchestra to play through the song first and then introduce a vocal. Probably wouldn't fly so much with today's audiences, but I think it's pretty cool.

      Finally a vote for How Strange

      Lee

      Delete
  10. I think Lars Von Trier's DOGVILLE took me by surprise because it was everything you've never seen before on the screen, a movie with no sets with rooms drawn in chalk on the floor, to put sole focus on the actors who really did an outstanding job.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dezmond, I haven't seen Dogville though I have seen some of Von Trier's work. He does break barriers.

      Lee

      Delete
  11. Lee, I have not seen Idiot's Delights or have I ever seen Clarke Gable sing and dance. That was interesting. I love old movies, though, and we've been watching quite a few of them lately. After listening to both songs, I think I prefer How Strange over Puttin' On the Ritz. Good battle, my friend. Thanks for stopping by earlier to cast your vote. Have a tunetastic weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy, I guess I watch more older movies than recent ones. I continually discover old films that are new to me and am often surprised.

      The Battle is taking a turn! Another vote for How Strange.

      Lee

      Delete
  12. And I'm old enough to remember double features at the drive in, lol. Course, they cost more than a quarter. I saw Lady and the Tramp and Dumbo as a double at the drive in. Gads that was a long time ago.

    Those older movies had great plots. For a long while, during the 70's - 90's, movies were so short you barely got to know the characters, and plots were thin. Star Wars had a message at least, although it was pretty watered down.

    I did not know Clark Gable could sing and dance. Yes, he was pretty good. I wonder how many times Les Blondes dropped him before getting the scene just right, lol.

    The instrumental was very well done, and if I was sitting in a restaurant having dinner, that would have gotten my vote. But, I'm a fan of Vaudville and tap dancing, and Clark and the ladies really looked good, so they get my vote. That's the way this song should be presented.

    Have a good weekend Dude.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dolorah, I don't remember how much the movies were back in those double feature days when I was going, but they were cheap as were the snack bar items. I believe I read that the carry off by Les Blondes scene was done in one take because of the fear that Gable might be injured.

      Back to a vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  13. I had no idea Clark Gable was so versatile! This might just be my new favorite version of a favorite timeless song! I imagine How Strange went quite well with the movie, but it's Puttin on the Ritz for me:-) Captain Awesome asked to hear it again, pretty good taste for an eight year old, huh?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diedre, "Puttin' on the Ritz" is a timeless classic. I wouldn't think there'd be anyone who doesn't at least kind of like that song.

      Another vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  14. Okay Lee - here I go down memory lane... Every time I hear'Putting on the Ritz,' I think of the 'monster' performing in "Young Frankentein." Maybe you saw that movie with Gene Wilder?

    Also, seeing Gable is like remembering Richard Gere in "All that Jazz" - big surprise. I
    ll have to watch this movie.


    My song vote is for Ted Fio Rito "How Strange" (1939). Dreamy stuff :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dixie, Yes I saw Young Frankenstein many many years ago when it first started playing the drive-in theaters. I vaguely remember that song performance in the film. I need to see that film again.

      If you like Gable you'll undoubtedly enjoy Idiot's Delight.

      A vote for the dreamy How Strange--dreamy is a good description.

      Lee

      Delete
  15. Geez, I don't know, they both went by so darn fast, I hardly had time to form a take. I wasn't real impressed with POTR, so send my apologies to Clark and gimme the other one, if you would.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CW, short battles! That should please a lot of the voters. You can always listen to the songs twice if they go by too fast.

      Another vote for How Strange

      Lee

      Delete
  16. I like a song that has a bit of pep to it. My vote goes to Putting On the Ritz.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary, there's a real contrast in the tone of these two songs.

      Pep for you with the Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  17. Hadn't even heard of Idiot's Delight before, but it sounds like something I might enjoy. And not just because I'm an idiot.

    Both were fine songs, but that familiar pep of Puttin' on the Ritz got me good. I definitely vote for that one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beer, the film is delight and would probably go over the heads of idiots. Look for it and see what you think.

      Familiarity breeds the vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  18. I just love that scene with Gable and Shearer in that ridiculous wig-hahahaa. Of course, I watched the clip now because I like that hip thrust of Gable and Shearer's reaction but when listening to the music, I give it to Ted Fio Rito. It felt so dream-like and brought me back in time. I would love to dance to this so Rito gets my vote

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Birgit, Shearer is playing a past love of the Gable character trying to hide behind a disguise, but he's up on her game. It all makes for great fun in the story.

      Another vote for dreaminess--How Strange

      Lee

      Delete
  19. Putting on the Ritz wins my vote; I just like the tune.

    Didn't know Clark could cut a rug like that. His voice is a bit of a surprise. If you played that without a visual, I would have never connected it to Clark Gable.

    Thanks, Lee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cherdo, I was surprised to see this side of Gable in this film. I wish he'd done more films like this.

      Another vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  20. When I was in high school we'd have the big musical spring production. My junior year it was called Puttin' On The Ritz. We did sing Taco's version of the song. It was ever so much fun.

    I think Gable and the gals had a bit of an advantage in this one. The song was short, upbeat, and engaging right from the start. (Plus it was familiar thanks to Taco!) The other one was slow and the vocals didn't start until halfway through the song (and I'm afraid that once they did... they were just meh to these ears). So, this is an easy vote for Gable and the Blondes with Puttin' On The Ritz.

    However, I appreciate what you did merging these two blogging events. I can see from the voting it hasn't worked out so well for How Strange... but, it goes just that way sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Robin, I expected the familiarity of "Puttin' on the Ritz" to give it a leading edge in the voting, but I thought it would be interesting to use songs from the same film.

      Again the vote is for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  21. LEE ~
    Yep, I'm an old man, too, and I do remember double features at the movie theatre. My Ma used to drop my Brother and I off at the theatre, go home and get all her housework done and bills paid off and then return to the theatre to pick us up.

    Most Saturdays were sopped up that way. Ha! How many times did we watch Disney's 'SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON' and whatever else was playing with it?!

    And I had no idea Burgess Meredeth was ever young. I thought that man was born old.

    Good Battle!
    I like BOTH of these songs. Not quite so much the vocals of 'How Strange', but definitely the instrumental portions. I love that "old tyme" sound. I have a CD of very early Glenn Miller recordings, before he found his highly identifiable sound, and it's great, with a lot of that "bygone era" sound that appeals to me.

    I listened to both of these recordings twice. At first I thought: Easy win for 'Ritz'. But after the second listening I began thinking I'd vote 'How Strange'.

    In the end though, the jaunty melody of 'PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ' wins me over. I've always liked that one.

    Clark Gable's dancing there doesn't impress me much; he looks a bit stiff - not fluid in his movements. But I've seen Gable in movies where he has comedic moments and he was good at that. The man had a lot of charisma.

    I really liked this BOTB installment, Lee!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. STMcC, Gable was no Astaire or Gene Kelly or even Jimmy Cagney by any means, but still he dances better than I could and passes the muster for the purpose of this film in which dancing is merely incidental.

      I understand the back and forth reasoning on this Battle, but the winner is the winner--for now at least.

      A decision in favor of Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  22. You sold me. I'm going to see if Idiot's Delight is on Netflix. I love Clark Gable but am pretty sure I never saw this film.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patricia, I didn't see the film listed at Netflix. I saw it on TMC, but I'm not sure when they'll show it again there. Maybe you could find it in the library if you have one with a good movie collection.

      Lee

      Delete
  23. Thanks for the introduction to "Idiot's Delight". I've never even heard of this film before, even though it stars Clark Gable AND Norma Shearer. It can be streamed online, however, and I've bookmarked it.

    As for Battle of the Bands, my vote goes to "Puttin' on the Ritz". I know the point is to vote for the song, not the performance, but I'm voting for Clark Gable's willingness to do this number!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Silver Screenings, nice to know it can be seen online.

      A vote for Gable and Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  24. Hi, Arlee! Giving my vote to Clark Gable. No real reason why except that it was more lively and definitely more to my liking.

    New battle is up at my new link: reinvintagedgoods.net. Hope you get a chance to come by!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim, Thanks for your vote for Gable and....

      Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  25. Everything sounds better when it's sitting on a Ritz...

    An interesting BOTB might be the original Ritz versus the cover that came out in the 80's (or the version from Young Frankenstein).

    In case there's a doubt, I vote for Ritz. While I like that 80's version more than the film version (at least my memory of it), I found "How Strange" too slow.

    Larry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Larry, sometimes we need to slow down a bit and smell the coffee before we sip it. Does that seem strange?

      Anyway, it's the Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  26. Thanks so much for joining in with this intriguing curio. My vote goes to Putting on the Ritz. Dig that 20s sound!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fritzi, thanks for hosting. This was fun!

      another vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  27. I haven't seen that film, but I think I'll have to now. I love the old movies, and could pass up Clark?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. C.Lee, I thought it was a pretty good film. You might too.

      Lee

      Delete
  28. This was one of my favorite battles. I really enjoyed both of the selections, and it was fun to pick the song rather than the performance for a change!

    I've always like Puttin' on the Ritz. I am won over by the unique syncopated style in the song. It is 4/4 time, but the delayed hesitation on the notes makes it SEEM like a more complicated 3/4 or even 5/4 time signature.

    Fun to listen to this morning, Lee. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SBB6, glad you enjoyed the Battle. You're right about the syncopated style--all the better for tap dancing I guess.

      Another vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  29. Wow... I like both of these. Since I have to choose, I'll go with "How Strange," because I like that Big Band sound. I gotta tell ya, though, it's a shock seeing Gable as a song-and-dance man. Guess those old actors could really do it all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John, song and dance Gable is a hoot and a lot of fun.

      A needed vote for How Strange

      Lee

      Delete
  30. Interesting to see Gable sing and dance. As for comedy, I believe he got his start more in comedy than the handsome hero he later came to be know as. I'm thinking of one of my favorite 'old time' movies 'It Happened One Night'. At any rate, count my vote for 'Putting on the Ritz", even if the whole time I was listening I was thinking of Peter Boyle and Gene Wilder from 'Young Frankenstein'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FAE, Gable did some fine comic films and often managed some comic turns in even his serious films. He had a face that expressed humor well.

      It's the Ritz again.

      Lee

      Delete
  31. Wow a lot going on. My vote is for Putting on the Ritz and look forward to signing up for the A to Z challenge again soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike, A to Z right around the corner!

      A vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  32. Like FAE, every time I hear Puttin' On The Ritz, I think of Young Frankenstein! It was wonderful to see Clark Gable singing and dancing! Though the other song is also a classic, Puttin' On The Ritz gets my vote. I love the TCM channel, and sometimes the backstories are as entertaining as the movies.

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julie, I could watch TCM all day and never get anything else done. I must resist!

      Again the Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  33. I vote for Ted Fio Rito because I can imagine myself in a flowing blue gown dancing to the music with Fred Astaire. I've never seen Idiot's Delight, but I've seen the clip of Gable before. He dances quite well, but saying he can sing is a bit of a stretch. I'm amused by the MC announcing Les Blondes as Lay Blondes.

    Love,
    Janie

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    Replies
    1. Janie, I think Gable manages singing passably on this song, but he'd probably be laughable singing a slower song like "How Strange".

      Voting for the elegant How Strange

      Lee

      Delete
  34. That's not a film I've heard off, I'll keep an eye out for it. Ritz for me too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. I always thought this was just a medium movie because Clark looks ridiculous dancing Puttin' on the Ritz. But your review made me want to see it as soon as possible! I also love movies about vaudeville, especially the ones with James Cagney!
    Don't forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! :)
    Cheers!
    Le
    http://www.criticaretro.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lê, Sure Gable doesn't have the dance talent of the real dancers, but I think he carries it off pretty admirably from the standpoint of how we usually think of the actor. He seemed to have fun with a role that he was admittedly uncomfortable with. I've got to give credit to any actor willing to go that extra step out of the comfort zone and do a fairly credible job with it. The films about vaudeville are some of my favorites. I wish they'd make more using modern technology. I wonder how well today's actors would pull this off?

      Lee

      Delete
  36. Both are quite different to each other, though both from 1939 I note. Give me the Clark Gable Putting on the Ritz!!! Great beat, smart moves, fun to watch but song wise I preferred it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan, same year same movie, but very different sounding songs.

      A vote for Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  37. Putting on the Ritz always makes me want to dance, haha.. The other one was sort of boring. :/ I've never even heard of this movie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Madilyn, I'd never heard of the movie until the night it came on and I watched it.

      A vote for the more exciting Ritz

      Lee

      Delete
  38. Idiot's Delight sounds fantastic. I might have to pull that one out with the hubby one night. I'm not going to vote, but thanks for the intro to a great oldie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal, I'm looking forward to seeing Idiot's Delight again. I found it on YouTube for pay per view, but maybe they'll show it again soon on TCM.

      Lee

      Delete
  39. I'd never even heard of this movie, Lee — I'll have to look it up. And lordy, no, I had no idea Clark could dance! Or sing. Wow...

    My vote goes for Putting On The Ritz. I remember it from later versions (most recently by Robbie Williams, but dating all the way back to the Taco one), and I love-love-love it :) Seeing it sung (sung!!!!) by Clark Gable really gave it a whole new dimension for me, so thank you for that :)
    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

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    1. Guilie, "Ritz" is one of those boffo songs that performers will often do as a production. Robbie Williams I can see doing this.

      Ritz

      Lee

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  40. My vote goes to "How Strange." I like the downtempo key, and the fact that the song seems more complete than "Puttin' on the RItz." The former song is nice and peppy, but it just feels kind of unfinished and too short.

    When I saw the title, I thought you were reviewing a Three Stooges short, until I realized I was thinking of Idiots Deluxe! They had a lot of titles spoofing popular movies and songs of the time.

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    1. Carrie-Anne, I don't recall that Stooges title but I'd like to see it.

      How Strange

      Lee

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Lee