It is a stretch to give "Moon Over Miami" six stars. For such a simple plot, the screenplay is very weak. It's continuity, jumps and holes make it seem like a bunch of skits or scenes that were just tossed together. The movie was adapted from a play, and it unfortunately has the feel of a play. Those type of breaks are part of the world of live stage and are okay with audiences. But not when a story is in a continuously running film.
While the cast has very familiar faces and popular stars of the day, none of them are among those actors noted for their singing. They are just fair with the forgettable songs they have to sing. And, they are forgettable, with the exception of the theme song, "Moon Over Miami."
Betty Grable and Carole Landis are just okay in their roles as Kay and Barbara Latimer. Robert Cummings seems wooden as Jeffrey Bolton much of the time, and Don Ameche seems aloof to the point of being bored playing Phil O'Neil. Walter Lang must have been asleep in his director's chair when what passes as the scenes of Kay and Phil in love. They show about as much feeling about being in love as a couple of wet noodles. There's just no chemistry there. This is clearly a lesser product in the portfolios of all of these actors.
In spite of all of its many weaknesses and shortcomings', this film was a little fun to watch recently. It's colorful scenes in the Florida Cypress Gardens are very nice. But what gives this movie its badly needed boost are the roles of two supporting cast members - Charlotte Greenwood and Jack Haley. They provided the only real comedy - and all of it after the first five minutes of the film. So, without them this would not have been a musical comedy, or a comedy musical. Jack Haley was an all-around entertainer - actor, singer, dancer and comedian who performed on stage and in films. He never achieved stardom, but may be remembered long beyond all but the most prominent and long-lived actors. Just for his role as Tin Man in "the Wizard of Oz" of 1939.
If one happens to come across this film playing on TV, it might be fun to watch. But, this is one of those films that really can be labeled fluff and not worth paying more than a dollar or two to watch. But perhaps I'm a little too harsh, as someone who enjoys great musicals, talents, and performances.
While the cast has very familiar faces and popular stars of the day, none of them are among those actors noted for their singing. They are just fair with the forgettable songs they have to sing. And, they are forgettable, with the exception of the theme song, "Moon Over Miami."
Betty Grable and Carole Landis are just okay in their roles as Kay and Barbara Latimer. Robert Cummings seems wooden as Jeffrey Bolton much of the time, and Don Ameche seems aloof to the point of being bored playing Phil O'Neil. Walter Lang must have been asleep in his director's chair when what passes as the scenes of Kay and Phil in love. They show about as much feeling about being in love as a couple of wet noodles. There's just no chemistry there. This is clearly a lesser product in the portfolios of all of these actors.
In spite of all of its many weaknesses and shortcomings', this film was a little fun to watch recently. It's colorful scenes in the Florida Cypress Gardens are very nice. But what gives this movie its badly needed boost are the roles of two supporting cast members - Charlotte Greenwood and Jack Haley. They provided the only real comedy - and all of it after the first five minutes of the film. So, without them this would not have been a musical comedy, or a comedy musical. Jack Haley was an all-around entertainer - actor, singer, dancer and comedian who performed on stage and in films. He never achieved stardom, but may be remembered long beyond all but the most prominent and long-lived actors. Just for his role as Tin Man in "the Wizard of Oz" of 1939.
If one happens to come across this film playing on TV, it might be fun to watch. But, this is one of those films that really can be labeled fluff and not worth paying more than a dollar or two to watch. But perhaps I'm a little too harsh, as someone who enjoys great musicals, talents, and performances.