The sad part is that TCM is showing a very faded Technicolor print of this film. I'm glad to see the film, but it wasn't the easiest movie to watch. Hopefully Universal Studios will someday restore the film.
It is an entertaining film with the always entertaining Betty Hutton. And, Hutton was just wild enough to make the film work. It is, of course, a bio pic of Pearl White who actually became famous for the "Perils Of Pauline" series of shorts. Unfortunately, this is one of those bio pics that whitewashes reality. White didn't injure her spine the way it's portrayed here, but rather while making one of the Pauline films. Her eventual marriage in this film bears no resemblance to her real life marriage (two of them) which ended in two divorces. And, the film ends with White needing back surgery, but getting the man she loves; also not true. She actually died of liver failure from the drugs and alcohol she used to mask the pain from her back injury. But, alas, this film is entertaining as a comedy/drama, when it probably should have been a drama with a sad ending.
Betty Hutton is fine as the fictionalized Pearl White. One of the best features of the film is the song "I Wish I Didn't Love You So", and while Hutton was a good singer, this song wasn't right for her; nevertheless, it's a beautiful song that has been rerecorded in recent years by several singers.
I always felt just a little sorry for John Lund, who here plays the love interest. Nice looking, but not quite as good at acting as was needed to really make it to the top. And that shows here. He does "okay", but his limited range is noticeable.
Billy De Wolfe is along for some laughs, and he's always a pleasure to see. As is William Demarest. And, I enjoyed the role of Constance Collier as an older actress.
If you're looking to learn anything about Pearl White's real life, skip right over this film. If you're looking for an entertaining performance by Betty Hutton, this will do the trick.
It is an entertaining film with the always entertaining Betty Hutton. And, Hutton was just wild enough to make the film work. It is, of course, a bio pic of Pearl White who actually became famous for the "Perils Of Pauline" series of shorts. Unfortunately, this is one of those bio pics that whitewashes reality. White didn't injure her spine the way it's portrayed here, but rather while making one of the Pauline films. Her eventual marriage in this film bears no resemblance to her real life marriage (two of them) which ended in two divorces. And, the film ends with White needing back surgery, but getting the man she loves; also not true. She actually died of liver failure from the drugs and alcohol she used to mask the pain from her back injury. But, alas, this film is entertaining as a comedy/drama, when it probably should have been a drama with a sad ending.
Betty Hutton is fine as the fictionalized Pearl White. One of the best features of the film is the song "I Wish I Didn't Love You So", and while Hutton was a good singer, this song wasn't right for her; nevertheless, it's a beautiful song that has been rerecorded in recent years by several singers.
I always felt just a little sorry for John Lund, who here plays the love interest. Nice looking, but not quite as good at acting as was needed to really make it to the top. And that shows here. He does "okay", but his limited range is noticeable.
Billy De Wolfe is along for some laughs, and he's always a pleasure to see. As is William Demarest. And, I enjoyed the role of Constance Collier as an older actress.
If you're looking to learn anything about Pearl White's real life, skip right over this film. If you're looking for an entertaining performance by Betty Hutton, this will do the trick.