Having just seen two of Sonja Henie's previous movies-One in a Million and Thin Ice-before this one, this particular one has a more daffy plot than those others though the performances are good enough, one forgives the unbelievability of it all. Ms. Henie is, as always, good during skating numbers with one good uptempo one to balance her more classical ones as well as another fascinating one based on "Alice in Wonderland". Her leading man here is Richard Greene who I never heard or seen before. Among Ms. Henie's returning supporting players from her previous films are Cesar Romero, Arthur Treacher, Billy Gilbert, and Joan Davis, the latter two especially welcome. Loved both Gilbert's trying to add pistachio nuts to Greene's order and Ms. Davis' pratfalls and funny way with her arm movements. Also amusing was Buddy Ebsen as Ms. Davis' boyfriend. Together, they make a pretty good team. In summary, My Lucky Star was another pretty enjoyable Sonja Henie vehicle.
14 Reviews
A Sonja film, what more can be said
blanche-22 May 2010
You know how it is with a Sonja Henie film, you wait and see how they're going to fit in the skating numbers.
In "My Lucky Star," Cesar Romero is George Cabot Jr., the playboy son of a department store magnate. As he and his wife (Louise Hovick - Gypsy Rose Lee - and here's a reason to see the film) are discussing an amicable divorce, she spots the package wrapping girl Krista Nielsen(Henie) who is in Romero's apartment for the most innocent of reasons. In order to avoid scandal and paying millions to get rid of his gold digger wife, Cabot Jr. talks Cabot Sr. into sending Krista to college, where she will wear the department store fashions, thus increasing sales to college kids. Soon she's skating.
And there you have it - it's a pleasant way to pass the time. One of the students at the college is Larry Taylor (Richard Greene), who falls for Krista. Greene was supposedly the big rival of Tyrone Power at 20th Century Fox (though I frankly can't see it), but when war broke out in Europe, he returned to England. Growing up, I remember him as Robin Hood in a TV series.
Greene is attractive, with a very marked dimple and a lovely speaking voice. I think his range was a little limited to be much of a threat to Power, and he's not as good-looking, though he's certainly handsome.
If you want to see Gypsy Rose Lee in a movie and of course, Sonja's great skating, this is the film for you.
In "My Lucky Star," Cesar Romero is George Cabot Jr., the playboy son of a department store magnate. As he and his wife (Louise Hovick - Gypsy Rose Lee - and here's a reason to see the film) are discussing an amicable divorce, she spots the package wrapping girl Krista Nielsen(Henie) who is in Romero's apartment for the most innocent of reasons. In order to avoid scandal and paying millions to get rid of his gold digger wife, Cabot Jr. talks Cabot Sr. into sending Krista to college, where she will wear the department store fashions, thus increasing sales to college kids. Soon she's skating.
And there you have it - it's a pleasant way to pass the time. One of the students at the college is Larry Taylor (Richard Greene), who falls for Krista. Greene was supposedly the big rival of Tyrone Power at 20th Century Fox (though I frankly can't see it), but when war broke out in Europe, he returned to England. Growing up, I remember him as Robin Hood in a TV series.
Greene is attractive, with a very marked dimple and a lovely speaking voice. I think his range was a little limited to be much of a threat to Power, and he's not as good-looking, though he's certainly handsome.
If you want to see Gypsy Rose Lee in a movie and of course, Sonja's great skating, this is the film for you.
Bo Peep indeed
ctomvelu112 September 2010
20th Century Fox has never been MGM, even on its best day, and Sonja Henie is no Dorothy Hamill. Nevertheless, 1933's MY LUCKY STAR is worth a look if for no other reason than historical value. The plot is paper-thin, as the movie is just a vehicle for Henie, who before the advent of triple-lutzes, was the golden girl of female skaters. She also was cute in an adorable and wholesome, mountain girl way. Here, she plays a department store clerk who is sent off to college by the store's owner and ends up becoming an ice skater. Department store heir Caesar Romero puts on an ice extravaganza starring Henie, but has to convince his blustery old dad that it's worth the money, as it will encourage more store business. The big finale is a patchwork, with none of the smoothness or assuredness of those classic MGM musicals, which themselves got off to a shaky start before finding their footing. . Bits of this gigantic ice show are clumsily edited together. But Henie looks adorable, attired in a Little Bo Peepe costume. The revue's theme is "Babes in Toyland," with music from the legendary Victor Herbert operetta), and Henie skates her little Scandanavian heart out. No athletic lutzes in her day, but plenty of spins and one small leap. Plus she sports the most adorable frilly panties under an abbreviated, flared skirt. The bonnet she wears is a trifle much, making her look more like Baby Snooks, but when she smiles at the camera, nothing else matters. A young Buddy Ebsen, he of the Ray Bolger-ish rubber-limbs, is along for the ride -- er, I mean skate. And Richard Greene of "Robin Hood" fame is Henie's love interest. The film's sound is horribly tinny, which is typical of 1933 movies. This one's for early talkie fans -- and, of course, Henie fans.
Sonja's Skating Skills
Kalaman22 November 2003
"My Lucky Star" is my second Sonja Henie musical and I liked it even more than "One in a Million"(1936). The songs and Sonja's skating dances are joyous as ever. This time Sonja gets to romance with a British newcomer Richard Greene who plays the university prof Larry Taylor.
Director Roy Del Ruth, a gifted studio craftsman from 30s, imbues the contrivance of the plot with charming playfulness and effervescent grace. Del Ruth's choice of close-ups and staging of skating scenes are very well done. Cesar Romero has surprisingly agreeable presence, especially when he is not quarrelling or getting into a fight with his father, played by George Barbier, who owns the department store that lures Sonja to enroll in university to wear their fashion clothes. The capable supporting players include Joan Davis as Sonja's roommate, Gypsy Rose Lee as Romero's jealous girlfriend, Buddy Ebsen, Elisha Cook,Jr, Billy Gilbert, and Arthur Treacher.
Ultimately, as Ron Oliver noted, this is a Sonja's show. It vivifies her athletic exuberance, her dazzling skating skills as she skates divinely before an amazed audience.
Director Roy Del Ruth, a gifted studio craftsman from 30s, imbues the contrivance of the plot with charming playfulness and effervescent grace. Del Ruth's choice of close-ups and staging of skating scenes are very well done. Cesar Romero has surprisingly agreeable presence, especially when he is not quarrelling or getting into a fight with his father, played by George Barbier, who owns the department store that lures Sonja to enroll in university to wear their fashion clothes. The capable supporting players include Joan Davis as Sonja's roommate, Gypsy Rose Lee as Romero's jealous girlfriend, Buddy Ebsen, Elisha Cook,Jr, Billy Gilbert, and Arthur Treacher.
Ultimately, as Ron Oliver noted, this is a Sonja's show. It vivifies her athletic exuberance, her dazzling skating skills as she skates divinely before an amazed audience.
Sonja's skating is but one of several attractions
weezeralfalfa31 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
A Sonja Henie-centered musical romance. There's little music in the first portion, until Sonja becomes a combo student and undercover model for George Cabot's(George Babier) clothing department store at Plymouth College. Thereafter, music and the occasional skating scene become prominent. The music often features a chorus, with or without one or two lead singers. The 2 biggest musical/skating productions come at the end. The first of these emphasizes a fashion show, with singing by Arthur Jarrett, later by Buddy Ebsen and Joan Davis, who constitute one of several romantic pairs featured. The featured song is "I've Got a Date with a Dream", composed by the team of Harry Revel and Mack Gordon, as are all the other songs, except those for the last major production number, which features the skating of Sonja and others. Alice in Wonderland is the theme of this number. The music is mostly from Victor Herbert's "The March of the Toys", and the "Alice in Wonderland Ballet". Skaters dressed in various childhood story characters or toys skate around with Sonja, in one portion. Surely could have used color for this portion and the fashion show!......Every musical needs some comedy. for balance. In this film, George Barbier , as the blustery owner of the Cabot department store, and Cesar Romero, as his playboy son, supply much of the humor, interacting with each other, or separately..... In a cameo performance, .Billy Gilbert provides a classic comedy routine, in which Sonja and boyfriend Richard Greene are the straight 'men'. Greene tells Billy that they each want a chocolate sunday. But, in his distinctive manner, Billie describes a list of alternatives, which usually include pistachio nuts. Finally, they give in and accept one of his suggestions. Later, he returns with the news that he is out of pistachio nuts...... After his stroke of genius in thinking up the student/undercover model trick, Cesar had another brainstorm: Combine the winter carnival with a fashion show at the Cabot department store! Cesar took advantage of his fathers absence on a Cuban holiday to implement this undertaking. The highlight is the last two musical productions I previously described. A major purpose of this show is to hopefully make $50,000. to give to Cesar's estranged wife(played by Gypsy Rose Lee) so that she will withdraw her claim that Cesar was having an affair with Sonja. When George Cabot Sr. returns from Cuba, he has a fit when he finds out about the Carnival being housed in his store, and demands that the participants leave immediately. They have to tie him up and gag him to keep him from ruining every thing.......
In summary, parts of the screenplay are not too realistic. Otherwise, it's generally entertaining, with lots going on besides Sonja's occasional skating. Richard Greene is a bit undertalented as Sonja's new boyfriend.......Despite his handsome looks and interesting personality, Cesar Romero hardly ever wound up with the leading lady. Perhaps his Latin heritage was a problem? See this film at YouTube. Other films featuring Sonja currently available at YouTube include "One in a Million" and "Sun Valley Serenade": the last also featuring the Glenn Miller orchestra.
Entertaining film though no star shines brighter than Sonja Henie
TheLittleSongbird9 December 2016
Even in her lesser films, Sonja Henie was always watchable and there was a good deal to like about her weaker outings. The bright spots were often her, the ice skating sequences and the music, while the weak link was often typically the story.
'My Lucky Star' has its issues, but on the most part it is one of Henie's better films. Its weak link is, unsurprisingly, the story, which makes thin ice less thin, takes daftness to a whole new level and goes too far on the simplistic. The silly and weak, often embarrassingly so, dialogue is just as problematic. As is the rather bland performance of Richard Greene in a limited role. To a lesser degree Elisha Cook Jnr and Gypsy Rose Lee (who also over-compensates a little) have little to do.
So much can be recommended however. 'My Lucky Star' is exquisitely photographed and sumptuously designed. The skating sequences are jaw-droppingly imaginative and brilliantly choreographed with so much energy and grace. The breath-taking "Alice in Wonderland" finale, accompanied by Victor Herbert's classic "March of the Soldiers" is the standout. The songs are similarly very pleasant, though few are timeless. Particularly good are "Could You Pass in Love" and "I've Got a Date with a Dream".
The direction is assured and the pacing vibrant. Henie is pert, spunky and charming, and the camera clearly loves her. Her ice skating is also out of this world, particularly in the "Alice in Wonderland" sequence. Joan Davis bags some amusing moments, while Buddy Ebson proves himself to be a born entertainer. One mustn't forget dashing and suave Cesar Romero, while Billy Gilbert comes very close to stealing the film.
All in all, entertaining if flawed film and worth watching particularly for Henie and the ice skating. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'My Lucky Star' has its issues, but on the most part it is one of Henie's better films. Its weak link is, unsurprisingly, the story, which makes thin ice less thin, takes daftness to a whole new level and goes too far on the simplistic. The silly and weak, often embarrassingly so, dialogue is just as problematic. As is the rather bland performance of Richard Greene in a limited role. To a lesser degree Elisha Cook Jnr and Gypsy Rose Lee (who also over-compensates a little) have little to do.
So much can be recommended however. 'My Lucky Star' is exquisitely photographed and sumptuously designed. The skating sequences are jaw-droppingly imaginative and brilliantly choreographed with so much energy and grace. The breath-taking "Alice in Wonderland" finale, accompanied by Victor Herbert's classic "March of the Soldiers" is the standout. The songs are similarly very pleasant, though few are timeless. Particularly good are "Could You Pass in Love" and "I've Got a Date with a Dream".
The direction is assured and the pacing vibrant. Henie is pert, spunky and charming, and the camera clearly loves her. Her ice skating is also out of this world, particularly in the "Alice in Wonderland" sequence. Joan Davis bags some amusing moments, while Buddy Ebson proves himself to be a born entertainer. One mustn't forget dashing and suave Cesar Romero, while Billy Gilbert comes very close to stealing the film.
All in all, entertaining if flawed film and worth watching particularly for Henie and the ice skating. 7/10 Bethany Cox
To enjoy this, it helps to be mentally disturbed or intoxicated.
planktonrules19 January 2016
publicity stunt makes no sense at all students resent Kristina
In the 1930s and 40s, Hollywood made a ton of films set at college. Oddly, however, almost all of them had one thing in common...they never actually showed the students in class or studying!! One of the few exceptions, even more oddly, is the Marx Brothers' "Horsefeathers"!! "My Lucky Star" is yet another college film where students seem to do anything but go to class. In fact, in watching this film you'd assume all students do is sing, dance and ice skate!! It's all complete nonsense...the sort of nonsense audiences of the day ate up but which have aged poorly. I love old movies but must admit this to be the case.
When the film begins, you learn that a big department store owner has an irresponsible playboy son (Cesar Romero) and the idiot just got himself married...and was served with divorce papers!! Soon, the plot becomes even more nonsensical and the son sends one of the department store's clerks, Kristina (Sonja Henie) to college as some sort of convoluted advertising campaign that makes no sense. The plan is to have her change clothes ALL THE TIME and thereby be a living model for the store's clothes. Huh?!
In the process, Kristina goes through a few bumps here and there...such as the other students thinking she's a weirdo or snob since she changes clothes so often and dresses so extravagantly. So, she wins their hearts the way any red-blooded American would....with ice skating!! And, after she captures their hearts and she is forced to leave, the students, en masse, show up and sing her a tearful goodbye!!!
Does any of this make sense to you? If so, then I suggest you make an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist as soon as possible or stop taking whatever intoxicant you are currently using! But it gets worse. To impress his papa, the son decides to throw an ice carnival at the store...in a department store!!!!
The film has a few nice moments but is a waste of Cesar Romero's talent and the film is just bafflingly stupid. And, while you have to suspend disbelief for most 1930s musicals, here it goes much further...to the point of absurdity.
In the 1930s and 40s, Hollywood made a ton of films set at college. Oddly, however, almost all of them had one thing in common...they never actually showed the students in class or studying!! One of the few exceptions, even more oddly, is the Marx Brothers' "Horsefeathers"!! "My Lucky Star" is yet another college film where students seem to do anything but go to class. In fact, in watching this film you'd assume all students do is sing, dance and ice skate!! It's all complete nonsense...the sort of nonsense audiences of the day ate up but which have aged poorly. I love old movies but must admit this to be the case.
When the film begins, you learn that a big department store owner has an irresponsible playboy son (Cesar Romero) and the idiot just got himself married...and was served with divorce papers!! Soon, the plot becomes even more nonsensical and the son sends one of the department store's clerks, Kristina (Sonja Henie) to college as some sort of convoluted advertising campaign that makes no sense. The plan is to have her change clothes ALL THE TIME and thereby be a living model for the store's clothes. Huh?!
In the process, Kristina goes through a few bumps here and there...such as the other students thinking she's a weirdo or snob since she changes clothes so often and dresses so extravagantly. So, she wins their hearts the way any red-blooded American would....with ice skating!! And, after she captures their hearts and she is forced to leave, the students, en masse, show up and sing her a tearful goodbye!!!
Does any of this make sense to you? If so, then I suggest you make an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist as soon as possible or stop taking whatever intoxicant you are currently using! But it gets worse. To impress his papa, the son decides to throw an ice carnival at the store...in a department store!!!!
The film has a few nice moments but is a waste of Cesar Romero's talent and the film is just bafflingly stupid. And, while you have to suspend disbelief for most 1930s musicals, here it goes much further...to the point of absurdity.
A silly movie with a shining performance by Gypsy Rose.
gypsyjae16 May 2000
This is a silly movie with much singing and dancing. Acting is average, but writing leaves something to be desired. There are rememberable performances by Buddy Epsen, with a short but outstanding performance by Gypsy Rose as the bitter wife of a rich playboy. A totally unbelievable portrayal of college life which ends with a superb ice skating exibition of Alice in Wonderland. Many parts are worth watching, but do not be afraid to fast forward through parts of the movie
My Lucky Star is When Luck Runs Out **
edwagreen29 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Inane college farce without the academics, of course.
When the wealthy son (Cesar Romero) marries a fortune-hunter all hell should have broken lose. Instead, a silly story ensues.
Romero finds Sonja Henje and decides with his father to send her off to college to promote the store's clothing line. There, she finds love with Richard Greene, but our fairy tale falters when she is named correspondent by the scheming wife of Romero.
There is a good song sketch by "college" students Buddy Ebsen and Joan Davis.
Ironically, both Davis and Arthur Treacher costarred with Henje in the much better "Thin Ice" with Tyrone Power.
The people lacks any form of intelligence and Henje only really does some real skating at about the last 10 minutes of the film.
When the wealthy son (Cesar Romero) marries a fortune-hunter all hell should have broken lose. Instead, a silly story ensues.
Romero finds Sonja Henje and decides with his father to send her off to college to promote the store's clothing line. There, she finds love with Richard Greene, but our fairy tale falters when she is named correspondent by the scheming wife of Romero.
There is a good song sketch by "college" students Buddy Ebsen and Joan Davis.
Ironically, both Davis and Arthur Treacher costarred with Henje in the much better "Thin Ice" with Tyrone Power.
The people lacks any form of intelligence and Henje only really does some real skating at about the last 10 minutes of the film.
Swingy Late 30's Skate Musical
broadway_melody_girl1 May 2007
I bought this movie because I am a huge Richard Greene fan and I have always wanted to watch Sonja Henie.
I was not disappointed.
This movie is definitely worth seeing and/or buying. It has wonderful, catchy swingy tunes and a great cast. Sure, the story is cliché, but weren't most musicals like that back then? Well, it is actually a little bit more original than others, because Sonja wraps packages at a department store, and after meeting her, and to keep her away from his jealous wife (Gypsy Rose Lee a.k.a Louise Hovick), Caesar Romero, the son of the big department store Sonja works for, sends her to fictional Plymouth University as a "living mannequin" to promote their store's women's' sporting goods section. While there, Sonja befriends student Buddy Ebsen and his girlfriend Mary Dwight (Joan Davis), does some enjoyable skate routines (best one is COULD YOU PASS IN LOVE? first sung by Buddy and Joan, then skated by Sonja and a chorus of skating guys in bowler hats), gets tricked by a nasty Southern girl who is a bad ice skater (played nicely by Patricia Wilder) gets accused of being involved in a scandal (courtesy of Gypsy Rose), and falls in love with super-duper handsome senior Richard Greene. They and others sing a very lovely ballad on a hayride. (I don't know the name.) But it's very charming, and it was stuck in my head for a week after I watched it. The musical numbers are fun, though they come nowhere near MGM or early Busby Berkeley musical splendor. Sonja dos live up to her name as great ice skater, though. In the big production "Alice in Wonderland" finale, she shines, and the costumes and music and charming. The other big musical number, I'VE GOT A DATE WITH A DREAM, showcases a myriad of showgirls wearing beautiful furs and evening gowns, and other fashionable outfits, and a tenor who sings the song admirably. Later into the number, Buddy and Joan do a short, comedic rendition of the song.
In all, MY LUCKY STAR is a good way to pass the time and a good film to start with if you want to explore the works of Sonja Henie.
I was not disappointed.
This movie is definitely worth seeing and/or buying. It has wonderful, catchy swingy tunes and a great cast. Sure, the story is cliché, but weren't most musicals like that back then? Well, it is actually a little bit more original than others, because Sonja wraps packages at a department store, and after meeting her, and to keep her away from his jealous wife (Gypsy Rose Lee a.k.a Louise Hovick), Caesar Romero, the son of the big department store Sonja works for, sends her to fictional Plymouth University as a "living mannequin" to promote their store's women's' sporting goods section. While there, Sonja befriends student Buddy Ebsen and his girlfriend Mary Dwight (Joan Davis), does some enjoyable skate routines (best one is COULD YOU PASS IN LOVE? first sung by Buddy and Joan, then skated by Sonja and a chorus of skating guys in bowler hats), gets tricked by a nasty Southern girl who is a bad ice skater (played nicely by Patricia Wilder) gets accused of being involved in a scandal (courtesy of Gypsy Rose), and falls in love with super-duper handsome senior Richard Greene. They and others sing a very lovely ballad on a hayride. (I don't know the name.) But it's very charming, and it was stuck in my head for a week after I watched it. The musical numbers are fun, though they come nowhere near MGM or early Busby Berkeley musical splendor. Sonja dos live up to her name as great ice skater, though. In the big production "Alice in Wonderland" finale, she shines, and the costumes and music and charming. The other big musical number, I'VE GOT A DATE WITH A DREAM, showcases a myriad of showgirls wearing beautiful furs and evening gowns, and other fashionable outfits, and a tenor who sings the song admirably. Later into the number, Buddy and Joan do a short, comedic rendition of the song.
In all, MY LUCKY STAR is a good way to pass the time and a good film to start with if you want to explore the works of Sonja Henie.
Sonja Skates Circles Around Simplistic Plot
Ron Oliver28 March 2002
A pretty Norwegian coed finds plenty of romantic complications while working as an undercover campus mannequin at old Plymouth University.
Sonja Henie was Norway's ice queen when she won Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 & 1936. After going professional, she began a celebrated movie career at 20th Century Fox in 1936 with ONE IN A MILLION, which was her American film debut. Beautiful & talented, as well as being a natural in front of the cameras, she carved out her niche during Hollywood's Golden Age. Although Henie's ice routines may look antiquated by comparison to modern champions, there was nothing antique about her dazzling smile or sparkling personality. In this regard, some of today's snowflake princesses could still learn a great deal from her.
As her career progressed, it became increasingly difficult for Fox to find decent stories for Henie and the excuses for the lavish ice dancing numbers were often implausible. No matter. Audiences did not flock to her films to watch Sonja recite Shakespeare. The movies were meant to be pure escapist fantasy, plain & simple.
MY LUCKY STAR is no exception and its story is often quite silly - relying a bit heavily on impromptu singing from its middle-aged college student cast, and borrowing too much from its predecessor, HAPPY LANDING. However, the moments on the ice never bore (especially the Alice in Wonderland sequence -with music from Victor Herbert's Babes in Toyland - which closes the film) and the co-stars are rather interesting.
Stalwart Richard Greene is fine as Sonja's romantic interest, while Cesar Romero once again gets to display his comedic talents as a zany Romeo. Joan Davis grabs a lot of the laughs as Sonja's rubber-limbed roommate; Buddy Ebsen is her slow-talking, fast-dancing beau.
George Barbier is enjoyable as an apoplectic tycoon, as is laconic Arthur Treacher as his factotum. Miffed minx Gypsy Rose Lee and gung-ho student Elisha Cook Jr. are given little to do, but Billy Gilbert easily steals his few scenes as a soda jerk besotted by pistachio nuts.
Ultimately, though, this is Sonja's show. She glides effortlessly into the viewer's heart, while balancing on a thin edge of silver, suspended over frozen water.
Sonja Henie was Norway's ice queen when she won Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 & 1936. After going professional, she began a celebrated movie career at 20th Century Fox in 1936 with ONE IN A MILLION, which was her American film debut. Beautiful & talented, as well as being a natural in front of the cameras, she carved out her niche during Hollywood's Golden Age. Although Henie's ice routines may look antiquated by comparison to modern champions, there was nothing antique about her dazzling smile or sparkling personality. In this regard, some of today's snowflake princesses could still learn a great deal from her.
As her career progressed, it became increasingly difficult for Fox to find decent stories for Henie and the excuses for the lavish ice dancing numbers were often implausible. No matter. Audiences did not flock to her films to watch Sonja recite Shakespeare. The movies were meant to be pure escapist fantasy, plain & simple.
MY LUCKY STAR is no exception and its story is often quite silly - relying a bit heavily on impromptu singing from its middle-aged college student cast, and borrowing too much from its predecessor, HAPPY LANDING. However, the moments on the ice never bore (especially the Alice in Wonderland sequence -with music from Victor Herbert's Babes in Toyland - which closes the film) and the co-stars are rather interesting.
Stalwart Richard Greene is fine as Sonja's romantic interest, while Cesar Romero once again gets to display his comedic talents as a zany Romeo. Joan Davis grabs a lot of the laughs as Sonja's rubber-limbed roommate; Buddy Ebsen is her slow-talking, fast-dancing beau.
George Barbier is enjoyable as an apoplectic tycoon, as is laconic Arthur Treacher as his factotum. Miffed minx Gypsy Rose Lee and gung-ho student Elisha Cook Jr. are given little to do, but Billy Gilbert easily steals his few scenes as a soda jerk besotted by pistachio nuts.
Ultimately, though, this is Sonja's show. She glides effortlessly into the viewer's heart, while balancing on a thin edge of silver, suspended over frozen water.
She's Skating Her Way Through College
lugonian25 August 2009
MY LUCKY STAR (20th Century-Fox, 1938), directed by Roy Del Ruth, bearing no resemblance to any movie about Hollywood nor any connection with the Janet Gaynor silent melodrama, LUCKY STAR (Fox, 1929), is a likable and tuneful musical starring Fox's own lucky star herself, Olympic ice skating champion, Sonja Henie, in her fourth motion picture role. Following her enormous success in ONE IN A MILLION (1936), THIN ICE (1937) and HAPPY LANDING (1938) opposite Fox's top leading men as Don Ameche and Tyrone Power, Henie acquires a newcomer named Richard Greene, a likable British actor whose name has failed to equal both popularity and starring status of either Ameche or Power.
The lightweight plot revolves around Christina Nielson (Sonja Henie), a Norweigian girl employed as package wrapper for New York's Cabot's Fifth Avenue Department Store. After two years in the sporting goods department, she is found skating after hours by George Cabot Jr. (Cesar Romero), son of the store's founder (George Barbier). A recent groom in the process of divorce proceedings from cabaret queen, Marcelle (Louise "Gypsy Rose Lee" Hovak), George invites Christine to his apartment, where, after going to another room, is met by a surprise visit from Marcelle and her witness, Louie (Paul Hurst), with intentions of using the unknown blonde as grounds for divorce. George, however, breaks away with Christina before Marcelle is able to see her face. In order to keep Christina out of sight and help boost up sales at the same time, George impresses "Papa" by having Christina representing the store by sending her to Plymouth University (P.U.) in upstate New York where she's to secretly work modeling sporting clothes while getting an education at the company's expense. While there, Christina catches the attention upper class-man, Larry Taylor (Richard Greene). All goes well until Christina, an ice skating sensation in their ice carnival, makes the front cover in Life Magazine, where her photograph is brought to the attention of Marcelle who uses Christina's name in a divorce scandal that soon gets her expelled from Plymouth.
With college musicals commonly found in the 1930s, song interludes and skating numbers take precedence over typical football game finale. Composers Mack Gordon and Harry Revel provide such fine tunes as: "Plymouth Mountain Song," "This May Be the Night" "What a Well Dressed Woman Will Wear," "By a Wishing Well," "Could You Pass in Love?"; "I've Got a Date With a Dream" (sung by Art Jarrett); Victor Herbert's "March of the Toys"; and "This May Be the Night" (finale). The "I've Got a Date with a Dream" number is cleverly staged fantasy based on Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." Interestingly, when MY LUCKY STAR used to air on public television back in the 1980s, this finale (now restored) was missing Victor Herbert's "March of the Toys" ice carnival sequence skated by Henie and assortment of "Alice in Wonderland" characters.
Other members of the faculty consist of Buddy Ebsen and Joan Davis. Davis, as Henie's college roommate, who livens things up with her usual flair for comedy, whether it be through pratfalls or quipping out funny one-liners. She has her work cut out for her as Ebsen's girlfriend, who, as Plymouth's cab driver, shows more interest in his horse, Lulu, than with her. Joan and Buddy collaborate in the humorous "Could You Pass in Love" number, singing and dancing to good advantage. Arthur Treacher appears briefly as the Cabot's droll butler; while Elisha Cook Jr., shortly before his association in "film noir" mysteries in the 1940s, is seen playing a nerdy character named Wilmer.
Hardly original though highly entertaining, any similarity between MY LUCKY STAR and Henie's previous HAPPY LANDING, is purely coincidental. The film returns Cesar Romero in a Mischa Auer type performance as the nerve wracking groom with women problems (ex-wife here), along with Billy Gilbert once again adding confusion with his double talk with his "Chocolate Sundae /Tootie Fruitie Sundae with Pistachio Nuts" routine opposite Greene in a malt shop.
Formerly presented on American Movie Classics prior to 1993, and available intact on home video, right down to the reading of "This is One of the Movie Quiz $250,000.00 Contest Picture" before the closing cast credits, MY LUCKY STAR is silly at best, but highly commendable, especially with Sonja Henie skating her way through college. Watch for it next time it plays on the Fox Movie Channel(*** diplomas)
The lightweight plot revolves around Christina Nielson (Sonja Henie), a Norweigian girl employed as package wrapper for New York's Cabot's Fifth Avenue Department Store. After two years in the sporting goods department, she is found skating after hours by George Cabot Jr. (Cesar Romero), son of the store's founder (George Barbier). A recent groom in the process of divorce proceedings from cabaret queen, Marcelle (Louise "Gypsy Rose Lee" Hovak), George invites Christine to his apartment, where, after going to another room, is met by a surprise visit from Marcelle and her witness, Louie (Paul Hurst), with intentions of using the unknown blonde as grounds for divorce. George, however, breaks away with Christina before Marcelle is able to see her face. In order to keep Christina out of sight and help boost up sales at the same time, George impresses "Papa" by having Christina representing the store by sending her to Plymouth University (P.U.) in upstate New York where she's to secretly work modeling sporting clothes while getting an education at the company's expense. While there, Christina catches the attention upper class-man, Larry Taylor (Richard Greene). All goes well until Christina, an ice skating sensation in their ice carnival, makes the front cover in Life Magazine, where her photograph is brought to the attention of Marcelle who uses Christina's name in a divorce scandal that soon gets her expelled from Plymouth.
With college musicals commonly found in the 1930s, song interludes and skating numbers take precedence over typical football game finale. Composers Mack Gordon and Harry Revel provide such fine tunes as: "Plymouth Mountain Song," "This May Be the Night" "What a Well Dressed Woman Will Wear," "By a Wishing Well," "Could You Pass in Love?"; "I've Got a Date With a Dream" (sung by Art Jarrett); Victor Herbert's "March of the Toys"; and "This May Be the Night" (finale). The "I've Got a Date with a Dream" number is cleverly staged fantasy based on Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." Interestingly, when MY LUCKY STAR used to air on public television back in the 1980s, this finale (now restored) was missing Victor Herbert's "March of the Toys" ice carnival sequence skated by Henie and assortment of "Alice in Wonderland" characters.
Other members of the faculty consist of Buddy Ebsen and Joan Davis. Davis, as Henie's college roommate, who livens things up with her usual flair for comedy, whether it be through pratfalls or quipping out funny one-liners. She has her work cut out for her as Ebsen's girlfriend, who, as Plymouth's cab driver, shows more interest in his horse, Lulu, than with her. Joan and Buddy collaborate in the humorous "Could You Pass in Love" number, singing and dancing to good advantage. Arthur Treacher appears briefly as the Cabot's droll butler; while Elisha Cook Jr., shortly before his association in "film noir" mysteries in the 1940s, is seen playing a nerdy character named Wilmer.
Hardly original though highly entertaining, any similarity between MY LUCKY STAR and Henie's previous HAPPY LANDING, is purely coincidental. The film returns Cesar Romero in a Mischa Auer type performance as the nerve wracking groom with women problems (ex-wife here), along with Billy Gilbert once again adding confusion with his double talk with his "Chocolate Sundae /Tootie Fruitie Sundae with Pistachio Nuts" routine opposite Greene in a malt shop.
Formerly presented on American Movie Classics prior to 1993, and available intact on home video, right down to the reading of "This is One of the Movie Quiz $250,000.00 Contest Picture" before the closing cast credits, MY LUCKY STAR is silly at best, but highly commendable, especially with Sonja Henie skating her way through college. Watch for it next time it plays on the Fox Movie Channel(*** diplomas)
Frequently stupid dialog damages but doesn't ruin
morrisonhimself8 August 2016
Cute story and superb cast are hampered by silly and often stupid dialog, dialog so bad so often, even these great actors can't deliver the lines convincingly.
Never mind. Sonja Henie is so adorable, with the sunniest smile, and the cutest cheekbones, one can just tune out the silly lines and watch her.
Richard Greene was about as good-looking a guy as ever crossed the pond and was usually a good actor. I felt some of his reactions here were out of place, but, again, forget about it and watch Sonja.
Arthur Treacher was his usual self, which means pretty well perfect for the part.
Joan Davis ... well, she was over the top, but was also astonishing in her prat-falls. Too bad her part was intrusive and the focus of most of the silliest of the dialog.
Buddy Ebsen is one of those people who can do no wrong. I met him once, at a Western film festival at (I think) UCLA. He was one of the most talented people in Hollywood history. From a vaudeville-type dancer to a serious dramatic actor, he could do it all. Great talent!
I'm confused about part of the cast. I don't know who played the girl friend of the Greene character, but I think it was Patricia Wilder. She sounded like a genuine Southerner and Ms. Wilder was from Macon.
But one of the female characters said "y'all" to one person and only ignorant Yankee script writers make that stupid error, and it's one that irritates me thoroughly. "Y'all" is plural. That means more than one person, and no Southerner says "y'all" to one person.
Never mind. Watch Sonja.
Also watch Paul Hurst. He was around a long time, playing tough characters, especially villains, in silent Westerns, and playing a wonderful character in John Wayne's "Angel and the Badman" (1947). He was a great talent.
Not finally, but finally for this review, that gold-digger played by Louise Hovick? She was much better known as Gypsy Rose Lee. And she was a find! Very underplayed, very cool and calm as the gal wanting money from George Cabot, Jr., played somewhat over the top by Cesar Romero, usually one of my favorites, but who needed a better director here to tone him down.
Be patient, but do watch "My Lucky Star" when next it is available on TCM or FX. Be patient, because a lot of the early dialog will irritate. Be patient, and await the adorable Sonja Henie, who left us far too soon.
Never mind. Sonja Henie is so adorable, with the sunniest smile, and the cutest cheekbones, one can just tune out the silly lines and watch her.
Richard Greene was about as good-looking a guy as ever crossed the pond and was usually a good actor. I felt some of his reactions here were out of place, but, again, forget about it and watch Sonja.
Arthur Treacher was his usual self, which means pretty well perfect for the part.
Joan Davis ... well, she was over the top, but was also astonishing in her prat-falls. Too bad her part was intrusive and the focus of most of the silliest of the dialog.
Buddy Ebsen is one of those people who can do no wrong. I met him once, at a Western film festival at (I think) UCLA. He was one of the most talented people in Hollywood history. From a vaudeville-type dancer to a serious dramatic actor, he could do it all. Great talent!
I'm confused about part of the cast. I don't know who played the girl friend of the Greene character, but I think it was Patricia Wilder. She sounded like a genuine Southerner and Ms. Wilder was from Macon.
But one of the female characters said "y'all" to one person and only ignorant Yankee script writers make that stupid error, and it's one that irritates me thoroughly. "Y'all" is plural. That means more than one person, and no Southerner says "y'all" to one person.
Never mind. Watch Sonja.
Also watch Paul Hurst. He was around a long time, playing tough characters, especially villains, in silent Westerns, and playing a wonderful character in John Wayne's "Angel and the Badman" (1947). He was a great talent.
Not finally, but finally for this review, that gold-digger played by Louise Hovick? She was much better known as Gypsy Rose Lee. And she was a find! Very underplayed, very cool and calm as the gal wanting money from George Cabot, Jr., played somewhat over the top by Cesar Romero, usually one of my favorites, but who needed a better director here to tone him down.
Be patient, but do watch "My Lucky Star" when next it is available on TCM or FX. Be patient, because a lot of the early dialog will irritate. Be patient, and await the adorable Sonja Henie, who left us far too soon.
Henie my fave, a long time ago
gkeith_14 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Henie my fave, a long time ago. I have since learned her techniques are not up to today's standards. She I feel leans too far forward in many of her moves. She is adorable in this film, however. She gold medaled in Olympics 1928, 1932 and 1936, then went pro as in went Hollywood.
Her presence here is a 10.
Harrumph. Black and white I hate for musicals. I take off two points for lack of color. Boo and hiss. This takes this film down to an 8 in my book.
I love dancing and singing Buddy Ebsen. Good to see Joan Davis and Arthur Treacher.
Richard Greene -- Robin Hood -- was cute as ever. Yummmm.
8/10
Her presence here is a 10.
Harrumph. Black and white I hate for musicals. I take off two points for lack of color. Boo and hiss. This takes this film down to an 8 in my book.
I love dancing and singing Buddy Ebsen. Good to see Joan Davis and Arthur Treacher.
Richard Greene -- Robin Hood -- was cute as ever. Yummmm.
8/10
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