The play within a play premise is absolutely goofy and entertaining. It's as if the producers knew how cornball the Old Plantation scenario is yet it pleased audiences all the same. Joe E. Brown and Louise Fazenda entertain because they are in command of their roles, as does Sam Hardy. Compson sparkles in her role as the ethereally appearing and disappearing female draped in gauze, who entrances Arthur Lake in the play within a play - she's quite good and in nice voice. I enjoyed this for the realistic looking backstage machinations of the machinery and props, the bickering between the players, all of whom have some sort of offstage problems, and for Ethel Waters' performance. The movie showcases just how self-aware performers are of their limited appeal, and play up each "specialty" talent, they own whether it's eccentric dancing or an outrageous laugh, because that's how the make their do-re-mi. 5 stars may be generous; 4 seemed too pinched.
Review of On with the Show!
