This all-star package of entertainment from Paramount retains the anarchic, anything-goes spirit of the studio's earlier "Big Broadcast" films, and has the same (intentional) complete disregard for realism, as well (they put on a show like that in a matter of a few hours??). Betty Hutton attacks her role (and her fiancé) voraciously; the first singer in the "Swing Shift" number is very provocatively dressed for 1942 (and has a great body); the "Doin' It For Defense" song has a most unusual slapstick-action visual accompaniment; famous directors Cecil B De Mille and Preston Sturges prove adept at acting; there is an imaginative dance sequence featuring Vera Zorina. But there are also a lot of bad jokes by Bob Hope, a few overextended comedy routines, and a then-uplifting, now-gag-inducing flag-waving (literally) ending. **1/2 out of 4.
Review of Star Spangled Rhythm
