Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck. Copyright 16 September 1938 by 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. New York opening at the Roxy: 23 September 1938. U.S. release: 16 September 1938. Australian release: 8 December 1938. 7,197 feet. 80 minutes.
U.K. release title: Hold That Girl. SYNOPSIS: Politics meets football.
COMMENT: A delightful political satire, as timely today as in 1938. It starts off in a commendably lively fashion-the credit titles are superimposed on a revolving football-and never lets up until the nail-biting finish. Yes, director Marshall succeeds in keeping us on the edge of our seats even during the climactic football game. The photography too rates as commendably crisp, while the musical numbers and ensembles are put across with an unbeatably rousing punch and zing.
The acting, particularly by Barbier and Barrymore, matches this happy zest in bravura style. The Great Profile makes the most of every opportunity the script throws him. We love the way he enunciates, "Honesty is the best policy"-and revels in every satiric situation. Much of the dialogue is as sharp and witty as a barrel of monkeys. You can see every second that Barrymore is really putting heart and soul into his astringent takeoff of the infamous Huey Long of Louisiana.
Production values are hat-tossingly lavish. The art directors deserve a special pat on their collective backs. Film editing is likewise cuttingly professional, combining new and stock footage with consummate skill.
U.K. release title: Hold That Girl. SYNOPSIS: Politics meets football.
COMMENT: A delightful political satire, as timely today as in 1938. It starts off in a commendably lively fashion-the credit titles are superimposed on a revolving football-and never lets up until the nail-biting finish. Yes, director Marshall succeeds in keeping us on the edge of our seats even during the climactic football game. The photography too rates as commendably crisp, while the musical numbers and ensembles are put across with an unbeatably rousing punch and zing.
The acting, particularly by Barbier and Barrymore, matches this happy zest in bravura style. The Great Profile makes the most of every opportunity the script throws him. We love the way he enunciates, "Honesty is the best policy"-and revels in every satiric situation. Much of the dialogue is as sharp and witty as a barrel of monkeys. You can see every second that Barrymore is really putting heart and soul into his astringent takeoff of the infamous Huey Long of Louisiana.
Production values are hat-tossingly lavish. The art directors deserve a special pat on their collective backs. Film editing is likewise cuttingly professional, combining new and stock footage with consummate skill.