@MPL029 I just thought of comparing Ms White to Clara Bow, because White was considered Warner Brothers's answer to Paramount's big "sex star", that's all. Both White and Bow were being sold to the public for the same thing, basically. I've just always been skeptical of White's talent, from watching her performances. To me, it;s like comparing Jayne Mansfield to Marilyn Monroe. But I feel certain that there will be many who disagree, I suppose...
This is my favorite of the early talkies/musicals. Alice White's talents might not have been in the musical field, but I think she did have talent—as a comedian. She could be very funny,. See her in the James Cagney film "Picture Snatcher". Also, Sally Eilers, here in a supporting part, is one of my favorite obscure actresses. She had a successful career as an actress just below top rank stardom throughout the 30s. This film had some great songs, though they are all forgotten now.
One of the best dance numbers the woman managed to pull off. She was gutsy, I suppose, but just not that talented. Cute, yes.. but basically a "poor man's Clara Bow"... If you compare White with Bow, well, you'll see what I mean, if you give the question some real study... Still, there's no denying her contribution to talkie history.
@MPL029 But that's exactly what Jack Warner tried to do, offering her acting, dance and singing lessons, which she basically refused to do. Alice was not an actor by training, and struggled with dancing, and singing, having to be dubbed in several films. Warners persisted with her, she was very popular indeed, but never developed in the way Warners intended, and directors did not want her in films in the end. She must have had something special as she is well remembered even today.
Great 1920's music, by the way... A great number, really...
ClarasBeau 1 month ago
@MPL029 I just thought of comparing Ms White to Clara Bow, because White was considered Warner Brothers's answer to Paramount's big "sex star", that's all. Both White and Bow were being sold to the public for the same thing, basically. I've just always been skeptical of White's talent, from watching her performances. To me, it;s like comparing Jayne Mansfield to Marilyn Monroe. But I feel certain that there will be many who disagree, I suppose...
ClarasBeau 1 month ago
This is my favorite of the early talkies/musicals. Alice White's talents might not have been in the musical field, but I think she did have talent—as a comedian. She could be very funny,. See her in the James Cagney film "Picture Snatcher". Also, Sally Eilers, here in a supporting part, is one of my favorite obscure actresses. She had a successful career as an actress just below top rank stardom throughout the 30s. This film had some great songs, though they are all forgotten now.
RRaquello 3 months ago
One of the best dance numbers the woman managed to pull off. She was gutsy, I suppose, but just not that talented. Cute, yes.. but basically a "poor man's Clara Bow"... If you compare White with Bow, well, you'll see what I mean, if you give the question some real study... Still, there's no denying her contribution to talkie history.
ClarasBeau 10 months ago
@ClarasBeau Why compare Bow to White? Why not appreciate each as a separate talent????
MPL029 6 months ago
@MPL029 But that's exactly what Jack Warner tried to do, offering her acting, dance and singing lessons, which she basically refused to do. Alice was not an actor by training, and struggled with dancing, and singing, having to be dubbed in several films. Warners persisted with her, she was very popular indeed, but never developed in the way Warners intended, and directors did not want her in films in the end. She must have had something special as she is well remembered even today.
swallin19 5 months ago
Comment removed
swallin19 5 months ago
I think this extract comes from BROADWAY BABES but I'm not sure. Can you confirm?
jimclarkify 1 year ago
@jimclarkify
Exactly. A 1929 WB or FIrst National film. The copy is in excellent condition by the way. Regards.
Jotaemesg 1 year ago