The Worst Film Ever

A Major Disappointment

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

All right, putting aside the stereotypical characterizations of Old South slaves not to mention many operatic songs that date this movie today, I rather enjoyed this early talkie musical with the two-strip Technicolor that was used in the final sequence. I mean, I was a little disappointed how little Bert Wheeler & Robert Woolsey were used but when they were on screen, they were quite amusing. And seeing Dorothy Lee & Wheeler sing is always a treat and it was a nice surprise to see Woolsey have his own number here as well. Oh, and for both historical and entertainment purposes, an African-American tap dancer named Bill "Bojangles" Robinson does his thing in his film debut and in that color sequence, to boot! So on that note, Dixiana is a worthy movie to watch if you're interested in these old movies like yours truly. P.S. Though this supposedly takes place in New Orleans (where I only live a 2-hour drive from), I'm guessing this was wholly shot on a studio back lot.

After the success of "Rio Rita" RKO planned an expensive version of Victor Herbert's "Babes in Toyland" for their new comedy sensations, Wheeler and Woolsey. Production was suddenly called off in favour of a project that reunited director Luther Reed, stars Bebe Daniels, Dorothy Lee etc and composer Harry Tierney and substituted Rio Rita's south of the border setting for New Orleans and Mardi Gras - "Dixiana". But instead of a big hit and in spite of kind reviews Radio was left with a big flop. The leading man was quickly blamed - a bit unfairly. When John Boles proved unavailable, the studio needed another stirring singer to cope with "Dixiana"'s demanding score and thought they had found him in Everett Marshall whose dashing looks and solid baritone had already won him applause at the Metropolitan Opera. Unfortunately he was definitely not at ease before the camera and Bebe Daniels, who was already upset by the lack lustre score and one dimensional role, could see that Marshall was not going to do her any favours in the leading man stakes!!!Jobyna Howland, so hilarious in "The Cuckoos", is hardly seen after the first half hour. Wheeler and Woolsey, in my opinion, an acquired taste, were already laborious in their comedy routines, including one involving chamber pots and another in which they kick people who pick up cigars, seemed never ending. Dorothy Lee's character Nanny turns up out of the blue in mid movie as a love interest to Wheeler's Peewee but she and Wheeler do get to sing and dance the cutest routine "My One Ambition is You". It starts out with shenanigans on a spiral staircase, then a sweet little gavotte and finishes with Nanny losing her hooped skirt and, oblivious, skipping off with the lovestruck Peewee.The movie gets off to a rousing start - after singing the stirring "Mr. and Mrs. Sippi" over the opening credits, Carl (Everett Marshall) journeys to New Orleans to see Dixiana. She is a carnival queen and Bebe Daniels makes a startling entrance - she breaks out of a giant egg singing "Am I Your Baby Now" - but to whom?? It seems Carl has a rival in the form of Royal Montague (Ralfe Harold), a powerful New Orleans gambler. When Royal indicates that Dixiana is not for the likes of the upper crust Carl, Carl takes her and her two side kicks, Ginger and Peewee to his father's plantation. He keeps their theatrical background a secret, announcing them as his distinguished guests. At the welcoming party the songs come thick and fast - "Here's to the Old Days" - Carl says goodbye to his bachelor days, Dixiana questions her worthiness with "A Tear, a Kiss, a Smile". During the party Peewee accidentally gives Dixiana's profession away and after a most unholy scene Mrs. Van Horn (Howland) banishes the trio from her home. When they return to the carnival Royal, who controls the carnival, commands the owner not to re-employ Dixi or her pals - he gives them a job in his gambling house.Once Dorothy Lee makes her appearance she quickly becomes the star - she is fresh, vibrant and cute. Bebe Daniels tries but she is really hampered by a Southern accent as thick as treacle. Ralfe Harold is good as well, although it's not hard to rise above this sort of material. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson makes everything worthwhile. His effortless and stylish stair dance (you can hear every beat of his taps) to "Mr. and Mrs. Sippi" during the film's Technicolor finale - rises above this film, which is a Mardi Gras mess. Even the movie's big song "Guiding Star" is completely forgettable.

This is a museum piece which got worse as it went along. I love Wheeler & Woolsey but this was tough sledding. Had never heard Met tenor Everett Marshall before - great singer, Nelson Eddy-type actor.I stuck with it because I wanted to hear him sing, to watch W&W be funny,to see Bill Robinson dance. Two out of three isn't bad, I guess, as W&W were trapped in their weakest comedy - Joseph Cawthorn was funnier than they were, to give you an idea.It is also a rare opportunity to see Jobyna Howland as the battle-axe wife - a role she was born to play. She died too soon. This must be one of the boys' poorest outings and from the looks of it their most expensive picture. Wish I had better news to relate regarding one of Hollywoods' best and most underrated comedy teams.

As other comments on this site will tell you, this film is either an "antique treasure" or a "pre- historic turkey" ...(that is so hilarious! I laughed for days at that description) .... well like many others in the warbling yelling cast, I shall declare my love for DIXIANA, albeit from 79 years away. I am quite fascinated with the period of 1927-1935 and to see this sumptuous RKO production filmed in late 1929 with its lavish Technicolor finale is a dream and a thrill at the same time.. (remember those dreams?). Also Bebe Daniels is simply awesomely beautiful. As a production it is massive and atmospheric... I read somewhere this film actually captures the deep south of the 1860s which I believed I could actually feel. Also the limelight vaudeville scenes at the hippodrome and the interiors of the steamy mansions with riverboats gliding by and willows overhanging transported me to that period quite effectively. The presence of Wheeler and Woolsey and their rudeness added many laughs... in fact in Australia most of their films were released on VHS tape and quite often they play on national television on the late late show. I have quite a few and in Sydney, HIPS HIPS HOORAY and MUMMY'S BOYS have been seen a lot....and DIPLOMANIACS is an absolute scream of a comedy just like DUCK SOUP. ..anyway in DIXIANA they almost overshadow the film. The 1929 sound is really loud and clear with some really lusty operatic singing and plenty of lavish sets and art direction to enjoy. The most constantly dazzling aspect to this expensive film are the costumes, in particular the many jaw-dropping gowns and the riotous Technicolor Mardi Gras finale. The added dancing (minus his feet!!!) of Bill Robinson is a cropped treat, but the color and the spectacular lavish set and dressings add the thrill of endless beauty back into the enjoyment most effectively. Yes DIXIANA is an antique treasure for me, so if you get to see it, watch it with someone who appreciates the elements listed above.