I've enjoyed some pretty strange musical novelty acts over the years, from the South Minneapolis Bassoon Quartet to Peter Schickele's annual presentation of P.D.Q. Bach, but this short about an all-harmonica orchestra, is a pip! Dozens of harmonicas from tiny ones that a baby could swallow through triplex monsters a foot in length provide a lot of variation and a surprisingly full sound.
Visually, director Negulesco shows his usual flair, filling the numbers with blackout productions and a snappy dance to "Begin the Beguine" -- no Artie Shaw, but quite good. and a lot of his signature silhouette shots. Also, notice the way he takes care to shoot the harmonicas to emphasize hand movements.
Visually, director Negulesco shows his usual flair, filling the numbers with blackout productions and a snappy dance to "Begin the Beguine" -- no Artie Shaw, but quite good. and a lot of his signature silhouette shots. Also, notice the way he takes care to shoot the harmonicas to emphasize hand movements.