Blucher One of the worst movies I've ever seen

Grimossfer Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

Taha Avalos The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Zlatica One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

edwagreen I'm really in the dark about this picture.William Powell must have been in his dotage to have accepted the role of the conceited has-been actor in this disappointing 1949 film. After a terrific success three years before with Lucille Ball and Clifton Webb in "The Dark Corner," why did Mark Stevens get the part of the Hollywood hot-shot who really was that at all? As for Betsy Drake, this girl is plain awful in her singing and dancing routine. That's the ending number of this abysmal movie.There were certain things that were rushed here such as her screen test and when they're trying to convey that her father in the movie is Powell. Did he really realize that Drake was his daughter during their first encounter?

jotix100 It must the be the saddest thing in the world to have had it all and suddenly see oneself in circumstances below what one once new. This is the case for Emery Slade, the famous luminary of Hollywood we encounter eking out a life while trying to hold to his dignity. In another medium, the change would perhaps not have been the disgrace it presents this forgotten man, but in the fantasy world of the movies, Emery is a has been and his former nasty self stands in the way as others, more generous people, want to help him come out of poverty.Irving Reis, presents us a haughty Emery Slade, a man that is easily hated, as he prepares to redeem himself and make amends of his former life. By the kindness of Jean Hersholt, the famous humanitarian of Hollywood, he is connected to the head of the 20th Century Fox studio, who engages him as a talent scout that is sent to New York to audition possible candidates for the female lead of the upcoming "Brigadoon".Emery is assigned young Bill Davis, who immediately dislikes Slade and his methods. Davis wonders who could have given a job to this man that has no clue as to what has to be done. At the same time, he wants to introduce his former girlfriend, Julie, an aspiring actress and singer, to Slade. Well, he needed not to worry, as Slade meets the young woman on his own and falls under her spell. They both discover how much alike they are. Needless to say, Slade changes for the better in an about face that's hard to believe, but one roots for him and the young Julie.William Powell plays Emery Slade with bravado. He makes us see why this man is so much hated, until he comes to his senses. Mark Stevens is good as the studio handler. Betsy Drake has good chances as the young Julie Clarke. Adolph Menjou plays the studio head.While not one of the best William Powell's vehicles, the film is mildly pleasant. It offers tamed fun whenever Mr. Powell is around.

russellld This is a good film for fans of William Powell, Betsy Drake, Jean Hersholt, and/or films about Hollywood or the road to success. Inspirational in that "we're gonna make it" way, however corny that can be. The plot twists are good, if melodramatic, the "schemes" hatched by the characters to achieve their objectives are clever, and there are some good musical numbers, although these are far fewer than in the musical, "Bandwagon," which is based on the same source. I found it a very pleasant evening's entertainment.

janfletcher49 I adore William Powell, and while this movie is not one of his best he does a fair job of portraying an unlikeable, self-centered has-been. Unfortunately, Betsy Drake fails to rise to his level, even if it isn't one of the highest of his career. It's difficult to imagine that Powell's character would look twice at someone as non-descript as Ms. Drake, with a personality akin to lukewarm oatmeal. This part would have benefitted enormously from a Barbara Stanwyck, or another actress with strength. As it is, there is no sizzle, no logical motivation for the course of action, and no empathy between leads. I hate to admit it, but I could only hang in there for 1/2 of the film, and if I couldn't watch Mr. Powell for the full length of time, I highly doubt that any but a truly crazed fan could. Give it a miss.