If you've seen Pete Smith Specialty shorts before, you already have some idea what this one is like. This particular episode has some niftier than usual things going for it, and is my hands down favorite of the many I've seen. Here's why:
To begin with, the underlying story works well. Dave O'Brien, the usual suspect in these shorts, is the 'director' and Smith is the 'producer', and the interaction is amusing in a pleasant, low key and harmless way. Then there are the assets: a performance by a shell game artist, with an interesting perspective that almost works. Next, a very nice performance by Lena Horne. And then, the part that really makes the whole short a real find:
Helen Sue Goldy and her father. This is no ordinary performance. Interesting balancing acts were common in the fifties, but I don't remember anything at all like this. It would seem this girl really has a natural, explainable gift, and it is fascinating. And to make it even better, it's presented with two other virtues: a well designed and interesting set, and a natural, unrehearsed style - no glitter and forced smiles - a flat affect, Keatonesque on a 4-year old who's just doing her job. Refreshing. Remarkable. It's all just great, and makes the whole short more than worth the price of admission.