Review of Honolulu

This is a mistaken identity plot concerning two characters played by Robert Young-a movie star wanting to get a break and a plantation owner in Hawaii. But that's just an excuse to showcase Eleanor Powell's dances as well as the comedy team of George Burns and Gracie Allen though they don't appear together until the end. In fact, Gracie would make a few more movies without her hubby before being exclusive to radio and TV while George would eventually go on without her after her retirement and death. In fact, between this and The Sunshine Boys, 36 years would pass between theatrical film appearances for Burns, a record! Anyway, this was quite a funny movie with entertaining dances from Ms. Powell (though her blackface tribute to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson is politically incorrect today) and an amusing number from Gracie and four people impersonating The Marx Brothers (which in this instance has them as Chico, Harpo, and two Grouchos!). Eddie Anderson-already playing Rochester on Jack Benny's radio show at this point-also provides some good laughs even though the stereotype of his race being scared of ghosts is prevalent in his characterization. The guy playing the Chinese servant unfortunately is too stereotypical for modern tastes. Still, Honolulu was enjoyable for what it was, pure fluff.