Dreadfully Boring

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

This is fine but I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous years, Whoopee!, Eddie Cantor is still great but here some of the scenes no longer seem to work as they much have done back in the day. Also, spirited performance though she gives, Charlotte Greenwood, doesn't quite seem to shine as many other girls do. Indeed the rest of the girls, whether in factory working gear (backless and braless!), gymnastic wear or swimming gear (and seemingly nude(!)) look tremendous throughout. The Busby Berkeley are magical as ever and the songs fine. Its just that one or two of the comedy routines show their age and the protracted finale has not worn well. Have to say though, Mr Cantor amazes and must have been absolutely sensational at the time. Even now his contortions make one wince and his routine when appointed efficiency manager, really funny even now. He could certainly sing too, although we have to close one eye when he blacks up.

I guess even butch, straight women need love, and for bakery supervisor, Charlotte Greenwood, this Amazon woman of the bread line is looking for a man she can mold like the dough she's kneading. Poor Eddie Cantor gets the work-out of his life, first with a medicine ball, and later with a mechanical bull, with Greenwood becoming more head over heels in love with him as she realizes the challenge that lies ahead. Literally, Cantor does end up with his heels over head as she gives him an exercise regime he will never forget. "Reach for a pickle instead of a pie!", she tells one of her pretty Goldwyn Girl employees as she heads into the film's first big musical number, "Bend Down Sister!". A few of Greenwood's famous high kicks mix well with the Busby Berkley overhead shots, and when Cantor breaks into his big number, "Yes Yes, My Baby Said Yes Yes!", it is Greenwood in the wedding veil in the finale shot of that number, not the boss's daughter as he had hoped.Delightfully silly and fast moving, "Palmy Days" was the follow-up vehicle after Cantor's first major Goldwyn film, "Whoopee!", casting him as the sap working for evil phony psychic Charles Middleton (the villain of the "Flash Gordon" serial) and making all sorts of hilarious mistakes as he tries to get out of this racket. A very young George Raft is one of Middleton's henchmen who work Cantor over in order to get the combination to the safe where the bread factory owner has put employee bonuses. When the money is found missing, Cantor is blamed, and a chase with the villains ensues, resulting in a hysterical finale. Cantor even gets into drag, posing as a waitress, and ends up in a pool where Greenwood tries to strip him of his clothes. Hey, Cantor's not the first drag queen I've seen wearing a shower curtain although he probably is the only one who didn't bother to take out the rings.The film opens with a hysterical gay reference that rivals Jolson's encounter with two men dancing in "Wonder Bar". Later on, insinuations about Cantor himself are tossed about, although his character is clearly heterosexual. Pretty daring, even in the pre-code Hollywood era, and not as offensive as some overly sensitive P.C. advocates would make it out to be. But it's the musical numbers which stand out (only 3, but what's there is top grade), and fans of the Steve Martin film "Pennies From Heaven" will enjoy hearing "Yes Yes, My Baby Said Yes Yes", which was utilized in the 1981 MGM musical. So go ahead, flirt with noodle soup, sniff but don't give in.... Greenwood and Cantor are a hysterical pair together, and "Palmy Days" ranks as one of Cantor's best.

At a time when musicals had fallen completely out of favor with the movie-going public, Eddie Cantor and Busby Berkeley were still able to bring smiles to faces and audiences into theaters with this 1931 pseudo-musical by offering a bankable star (Cantor) in a foolproof formula. The title refers to a ring of bogus spiritualists for which Cantor's character has served unwittingly as a front man. During the film Eddie falls repeatedly into some dangerous or embarrassing situation and by virtue of his own hyperactivity emerges victorious in each case.The film includes only three major song sequences, but they are all very well done, and coupled with Cantor's delivery they are infectious. Busby Berkeley opens the film with a musical number involving a gymnasium full of scantily clad Goldwyn Girls - supposedly employees of a surrealistic bakery where all the action takes place - in the aptly titled "Bend Down, Sister". The cast includes long and lanky Charlotte Greenwood, a regrettably forgotten character actress. She plays the physical fitness instructor who believes - thanks to the bogus spiritualists - that Cantor's character is her future husband. The chemistry between Greenwood and Cantor is priceless as she relentlessly pursues Eddie. Then there is George Raft as a hood who is out to get Eddie. Finally, there is Mr. Clark, the president of the bakery, who has confused Eddie for an efficiency expert. when he asks Eddie "How many girls do you think work here?", Eddie's answer is a very professional "About half". The whole thing is 77 minutes of enjoyable musical and comedic nonsense that I never get tired of and that could only have been possible pre-code.Singin in the Rain it isn't, but like that film it is sure to put a smile on your face every time you watch it.

How can you NOT like Eddie Cantor? Even after all those years, his charisma is absolutely intact. You look at those big dark sad eyes once and you fall in love with that very generous and charismatic performer. He was a dynamo. And so cute! He spares nothing to please you and it is very effective. He's not that good a singer, though. He had a too high-pitched voice.And what about the great Charlotte Greenwood! How do I adore that strong performer with her high kicks, her almost frightening physical stamina and energy, her generosity! She's old-school all right and very, very entertaining. She never fails to give you a very great time. She's a scene stealer too. But we love her even more for it! See it if only for her as well as all the other movies she's in! As for the plot, well, it is a pure slapstick comedy. You have to like the genre but if you do as I do, you'll like the movie.Interesting to see a glimpse of Betty Grable as a teenager. Try to find her! Haha! One wishes she would have at least one scene with Eddie Cantor.See it, it's good.