O.K., so Jeanette MacDonald comes off unscorned in one of the many variations of "The Admiral Crichton", altered so much here, and filled with some offensive stereotypes (particularly gay, as well as a few Jewish slurs). Some good production numbers add an enjoyable early 30's feeling, but without fast forwarding, it is extremely difficult to get through the remainder of the film. The basic story surrounds a second- rate musical revue troop preparing for a trip to Argentina, the romantic troubles of Jeanette MacDonald and James Hall, the boat's sudden capsize, and the "Lost" segment on a deserted island filled with oil and pearls. You'll really get a sinking feeling when the whole island begins starts shaking and a huge earthquake suddenly hits. That segment is actually quite impressively filmed, taking place right after the big title production number.
Oakie gets one of the worst jokes in movie history, explaining how he got his first name of Voltaire, and the comic antics of the annoyingly stereotypical gay William Austin, assumed through his over-the-top mincing performance, are too much in the show's short running time. Kay Francis fans will be disappointed here by her all-too-brief appearance, playing a well-dressed socialite who seems to be at first involved with Hall but gets a duet with Oakie. This would be Francis's only opportunity in her screen career to sing, being dubbed in other movies such as "Confession" where her character had to sing.
MacDonald does get a lovely song entitled "It Seems to Be Spring" which intersperses stock footage of various wild and farm animals and their babies as the show falls around her and Hall. The few dance numbers liven things up, but the script flounders, especially with jokes whose intentions seem more hateful than the usual pre-code spoofing of various races and lifestyles.
Oakie gets one of the worst jokes in movie history, explaining how he got his first name of Voltaire, and the comic antics of the annoyingly stereotypical gay William Austin, assumed through his over-the-top mincing performance, are too much in the show's short running time. Kay Francis fans will be disappointed here by her all-too-brief appearance, playing a well-dressed socialite who seems to be at first involved with Hall but gets a duet with Oakie. This would be Francis's only opportunity in her screen career to sing, being dubbed in other movies such as "Confession" where her character had to sing.
MacDonald does get a lovely song entitled "It Seems to Be Spring" which intersperses stock footage of various wild and farm animals and their babies as the show falls around her and Hall. The few dance numbers liven things up, but the script flounders, especially with jokes whose intentions seem more hateful than the usual pre-code spoofing of various races and lifestyles.