Melody Cruise
Helen Mack
Nov. 13, 1913 - Aug. 13, 1986
Visitor
since 9/20/03
Updated: 05/01/2006
If you have seen this film, let me know what you think. I would love to post your thoughts on this page.
 | Production Company: RKO Radio Pictures, Inc. |
| Release Date (US): June 16th, 1933 |
| Runtime: 76 minutes |
| Color: Black and White |
| Currently Available?: Amazon.com |
| A playboy, Alan Chandler (played by Phil Harris)and his partying friend, Pete Wells (Charlie Ruggles) take a cruise from New York to California in search of fun with the ladies. Alan convinces Pete, who is married but plays as if single, that he wants to remain single and never fall in love or get married. To keep to his resolve, Alan creates a foolproof plan (and one that Pete is "forced" to carry out) that will ensure that he won't fall in love - that is, until he meets Laurie Marlowe (played by Helen Mack aka Helen McAvity). What unfolds is a hilarious romantic comedy with dancing and musical numbers (nothing on par with the great musicals of the '40s and '50s, mind you). |
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I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It is very entertaining. This film is considered a pre-code film, I guess because it was made before censorship became a real issue in the film industry. This film does have some sexual overtones, as well as a few scenes with ladies in very little. |
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The musical numbers are well done and make the film more enjoyable. There is a fair amount of choreography, though it is not on par with later musicals. |
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Timing is a key part of this film. Many scenes utilize rhythm, music, and images to make this film upbeat and artistic. I guess this showcases the wonders of sound, which the film maker was obviously experimenting with. |
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This film was released in 1933. Compared to some films of the same time period, this was heads above most. I think the writing, acting, and production values were exceptional. |
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This film is currently out of print, but was re-released by Turner Home Entertainment in 1990. I found my copy on E-bay. Presumably there are copies available. |
| Review on MSN Entertainment - click here |
| From start to finish, this film never slows down. There are so many great one-liners, sexual innuendos, and great moments, that it is just a fun film to watch. Helen Mack is quick witted and a very natural actor. Her abilities are showcased well - no wonder they chose her for this part. The musical score is great! It borders on being a musical, especially with all the great choreography. It has the look and feel of the wonderful musicals of the '40s and '50s. The characters are memorable and the comedic timing is perfect. I give this move four stars! |
~ Review by Daryl Curtis, posted on IMDB
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Get all the details about this film from Internet Movie DataBase here. |
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Betty Grable has an uncredited part in this film. |
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Phil Harris sings "Isn't This A Night For Love?", recorded May 5th, 1933 by Jack Berger and the Hotel Astor Orchestra. |
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Phil Harris is also the voice of Balou the Bear in Walt Disney's "The Jungle Book," and Little John in Walt Disney's "Robin Hood". |
| Max Steiner composed some incidental music for this film. |
| The first scene was in Pete Well's (Charlie Ruggles) cabin. They were having a Bon Voyage party, and it was quite entertaining. |
| My favorite scene was when Laurie Marlowe (Helen Mack) first meets Alan Chandler (Phil Harris). It is a great scene, with great character chemistry and interplay. Helen's comedic timing is impeccable. |
| My other favorite scene is when the purser/steward, Hickey (Chick Chandler) is doing a choreographed walk down the hallway with glasses of champagne. It is hilarious. |
| Another scene that I am fond of is the part where Phil Harris sings. |
| Story: 6 |
| Film Quality: 8 |
| Worth Watching: 10 |
| Appearances by Helen: 10 |
| OVERALL RATING: 8.5 |
Tobacco card - Phil Harris and Helen Mack
Chick Chandler and Miriam Marlin
June Brewster looks on while Charlie Ruggles commiserates with Phil Harris
Helen Mack and Phil Harris try and talk themselves out of a ticket
June Brewster, Charlie Ruggles, and Shirley Chambers