This is one of six rare Universal shorts unspooled at MOMA on May 10, 2017.
There's a little framing story here, about a bunch of kids who put on a show to raise money to build a swimming pool. It's just an excuse to show some quality vaudeville acts. The two best were Bill Robinson and the team of Mayer and Evans.
Robinson, as always, was superb. Besides a brief (and poorly shot) tap number, he sings and imitates a trumpet with his voice. (At least I think it's a trumpet.)
Mayer and Evans were a hoot. Mr. Mayer plays the piano and Ms. Evans sings. While she sings, Mayer is mouthing hilarious asides to the audience. ("Wife? No. Mother!)
The other acts were fine, but one was intriguing. Two black youths danced, sang in fine harmony and also voiced musical instruments. I believe these two were the mysterious "Pops and Louie" cited by the late Mr.McIntyre in his commentary.
So, this is a good short, marred by the silly story and the inept photography of Bojangles' number. Maybe Universal will release this one some day because of Robinson's appearance. If they do, it's worth seeing.
There's a little framing story here, about a bunch of kids who put on a show to raise money to build a swimming pool. It's just an excuse to show some quality vaudeville acts. The two best were Bill Robinson and the team of Mayer and Evans.
Robinson, as always, was superb. Besides a brief (and poorly shot) tap number, he sings and imitates a trumpet with his voice. (At least I think it's a trumpet.)
Mayer and Evans were a hoot. Mr. Mayer plays the piano and Ms. Evans sings. While she sings, Mayer is mouthing hilarious asides to the audience. ("Wife? No. Mother!)
The other acts were fine, but one was intriguing. Two black youths danced, sang in fine harmony and also voiced musical instruments. I believe these two were the mysterious "Pops and Louie" cited by the late Mr.McIntyre in his commentary.
So, this is a good short, marred by the silly story and the inept photography of Bojangles' number. Maybe Universal will release this one some day because of Robinson's appearance. If they do, it's worth seeing.