Review – Broadway Melody of 1936

This musical romp appears to have been the original source for a big chunk of the songs that would later appear in Singin’ in the Rain. Thank goodness the producers of the later musical didn’t decide to use the “Sing before Breakfast” number – or much of anything else performed here by Buddy Ebsen. There’s some talent in this picture, particularly Jack Benny in one of the lead roles. Some of the musical numbers are cleverly staged. However, for the most part this is a goofy farce that alternates between charming and grating. I mean really, was the guy who can do dozens of different kinds of snores considered high comedy even back in the comparatively less sophisticated days of the 1930s? Mildly amusing