I read a review for this film that said that there was "only one good thing" about the movie. While that is true for one reviewer, I found several nice things to enjoy about this very unusual film.
First, some background. I had never heard about Tom Breneman before I saw this movie and that is not surprising--since he was around well before I was born. It seems that he was a hugely successful morning radio host--somewhat like the "Today Show" but with more of an emphasis towards entertaining the housewives with music and his charm. He was successful enough that he sank his money from this show into a restaurant--from which he later broadcast his show "Breakfast in Hollywood". But, he died only two years after making this one movie at age 48--and today he's all but forgotten.
If I were Breneman, I would have been thrilled to have been offered a movie role like this one. It would have been pretty easy, as much of the time he was just recreating his morning show but on film. In addition, his fictional off-screen self was part angel and part social worker--a real nice guy who seems to live to help people.
The film begins as people are beginning to arrive at his early morning program/restaurant. However, one has a tough time getting there--with an inconsiderate jerk hitting her in his car as she crosses the street! This 82 year-old lady (Beulah Bondi) says she's fine but she isn't--she just wants to get to Breneman's show that badly.
In addition to her story, there is a light character (Zasu Pitts) whose one ambition throughout the film is to be recognized by Breneman for the most outrageous hat in the audience. There is a dowdy housewife (Billie Burke) whose husband is a womanizer. There also are two Minnesotans who are somewhat lost and lonely (Bonita Granville in a rare adult role and Edward Ryan). Their story is a pretty sweet love story--and Breneman acts as cupid to keep it going.
Along for the ride are some very interesting guests as themselves. For musical interludes (and there are too many) you have the Nat King Cole Trio as well as Spike Jones and His City Slickers. Hedda Hopper also appears several times during the movie and even Joan Crawford's mother makes a bit appearance! The bottom line is that although the film is contrived and strange, it also has some endearing and sweet qualities. Sure, you'll have to suspend disbelief to accept all this, but in addition to the nostalgia value, there is ample reason to give this film a chance.
By the way, Bondi was in her 50s when she played this 82 year-old woman. Bondi specialized in playing old women--even when she was much younger. For example, in "Make Way for Tomorrow" (her best film) she plays a woman being forced to go to the old folks home--yet she was only 51.
First, some background. I had never heard about Tom Breneman before I saw this movie and that is not surprising--since he was around well before I was born. It seems that he was a hugely successful morning radio host--somewhat like the "Today Show" but with more of an emphasis towards entertaining the housewives with music and his charm. He was successful enough that he sank his money from this show into a restaurant--from which he later broadcast his show "Breakfast in Hollywood". But, he died only two years after making this one movie at age 48--and today he's all but forgotten.
If I were Breneman, I would have been thrilled to have been offered a movie role like this one. It would have been pretty easy, as much of the time he was just recreating his morning show but on film. In addition, his fictional off-screen self was part angel and part social worker--a real nice guy who seems to live to help people.
The film begins as people are beginning to arrive at his early morning program/restaurant. However, one has a tough time getting there--with an inconsiderate jerk hitting her in his car as she crosses the street! This 82 year-old lady (Beulah Bondi) says she's fine but she isn't--she just wants to get to Breneman's show that badly.
In addition to her story, there is a light character (Zasu Pitts) whose one ambition throughout the film is to be recognized by Breneman for the most outrageous hat in the audience. There is a dowdy housewife (Billie Burke) whose husband is a womanizer. There also are two Minnesotans who are somewhat lost and lonely (Bonita Granville in a rare adult role and Edward Ryan). Their story is a pretty sweet love story--and Breneman acts as cupid to keep it going.
Along for the ride are some very interesting guests as themselves. For musical interludes (and there are too many) you have the Nat King Cole Trio as well as Spike Jones and His City Slickers. Hedda Hopper also appears several times during the movie and even Joan Crawford's mother makes a bit appearance! The bottom line is that although the film is contrived and strange, it also has some endearing and sweet qualities. Sure, you'll have to suspend disbelief to accept all this, but in addition to the nostalgia value, there is ample reason to give this film a chance.
By the way, Bondi was in her 50s when she played this 82 year-old woman. Bondi specialized in playing old women--even when she was much younger. For example, in "Make Way for Tomorrow" (her best film) she plays a woman being forced to go to the old folks home--yet she was only 51.