"I'll Reach for a Star," also known as "Hit Parade of 1937," offers some fun and solid entertainment with several entertainers from the past. But, the technical quality of this Republic production is not very good. Thus the rating of a 7. If someone cleans it up and puts out a digital or remastered edition, it would raise the rating in my book. The reason for that is the list of talent and the musical numbers.
The plot is similar to others of the time, but with a different twist than most. And, it's good, but for the low technical quality. Otherwise, this is a very nice vehicle for some good songs by Frances Langford and Phil Regan. The real plus that makes it a keeper for historical purposes is the rest of the talent. Besides Regan and Langford who didn't appear in many films, some other individuals not seen in many movies are included. Most were entertainers near the end of their careers from vaudeville, silent films or other stage performances.
But throw in Duke Ellington and his band, and Eddy Duchin and orchestra, and this film grows to a big entertainment package. So, it's a pleasure to watch these past icons of early stage, road and film groups perform. Again, a cleaned up DVD would raise the movie one or two notches.
The plot is similar to others of the time, but with a different twist than most. And, it's good, but for the low technical quality. Otherwise, this is a very nice vehicle for some good songs by Frances Langford and Phil Regan. The real plus that makes it a keeper for historical purposes is the rest of the talent. Besides Regan and Langford who didn't appear in many films, some other individuals not seen in many movies are included. Most were entertainers near the end of their careers from vaudeville, silent films or other stage performances.
But throw in Duke Ellington and his band, and Eddy Duchin and orchestra, and this film grows to a big entertainment package. So, it's a pleasure to watch these past icons of early stage, road and film groups perform. Again, a cleaned up DVD would raise the movie one or two notches.