Top of the Town was a 1937 mid-level musical
from Universal that has basically no one that you have heard of performing
in the many musical numbers. But the American musical had so much depth and
talent back then that the numbers if not memorable are still pleasant enough.
Until you get to the finale which is a lengthy celebration of the joy and
chaos of jazz. It makes sitting through the previous 60 minutes worth it.
It is a big crowd number with music pouring out of every corner and 100 people
on the floor dancing. They saved all the ammo till the end.
There is a plot here but mainly there is music which is just as well because
the plot is paper thin. The enormously wealthy Diana Border (Doris Nolan)
has returned from Russia inspired by the great art of that country and addressing
people as comrade. She no doubt missed the purges going on. Ironically, Doris
later married Alexander Knox the actor who was blacklisted ruining both of
their careers in America. Diana has the rights to the Moonbeam, a fancy lavish
nightclub on top of the town and wants to put on an artistic show. But the
head of the band - played by George Murphy - wants to play jazz - swing -
music people can dance to. They fall in love of course but the different
type of shows they want drives them apart.
Again, none of this matters. It's the music man. There are numbers from Ella
Logan, Gertrude Niesen, tap dancing wunderkind Peggy Ryan who is ten but
would go on to co-star with Donald O'Conner in films, the Three Sailors,
the Four Esquires and that old favorite California Collegians! Like I said
no one you have heard of. But the music is fine. In the end Diane puts
on her show - Mischa Auer doing Hamlet's soliloquy, salt miners marching
and yes, the dreaded black face. As everyone begins to leave in boredom,
the big number breaks in and the day is saved. Pointless little musical but
leaves you will a smile. Also in supporting roles are Hugh Herbert doing
his typical comedic character and the gruff Gregory Ratoff, who would go
on to be a fine director. Found on YouTube in a mediocre print.
