This picture's plot has shocking similarities to "Singing in the Rain", (particularly ironical since Ann Miller was almost cast in that MGM film as well).
As it stands, "Hit Parade of 1941" is a pleasant, slickly mounted minor musical, not unlike those being turned out by Universal Studios during the same period, (one keeps expecting the Andrews Sisters to appear).
In their place, we have radio songstress Frances Langford who harmonizes beautifully with Kenny Baker in the film's best song, "We Shall Meet in the Cool of the Evening," as well as her own bluesy solo: "Swing Lo Sweet Rhythm." The latter tune is also used to back Ann Miller's first dance routine which is presented in a night club setting. Miller's final contribution is a Pan American samba. Miss Miller's routines are superb, but as "Variety" noted at the time, are not photographed to her advantage, (the camera is too far away from her).
Comic honors easily go to dithery Mary Boland and Hugh Herbert, (though the film pushes credulity by pairing them off romantically.) The music is excellent though the film's principal interest to today's viewers will be for Ann Miller completists.
As it stands, "Hit Parade of 1941" is a pleasant, slickly mounted minor musical, not unlike those being turned out by Universal Studios during the same period, (one keeps expecting the Andrews Sisters to appear).
In their place, we have radio songstress Frances Langford who harmonizes beautifully with Kenny Baker in the film's best song, "We Shall Meet in the Cool of the Evening," as well as her own bluesy solo: "Swing Lo Sweet Rhythm." The latter tune is also used to back Ann Miller's first dance routine which is presented in a night club setting. Miller's final contribution is a Pan American samba. Miss Miller's routines are superb, but as "Variety" noted at the time, are not photographed to her advantage, (the camera is too far away from her).
Comic honors easily go to dithery Mary Boland and Hugh Herbert, (though the film pushes credulity by pairing them off romantically.) The music is excellent though the film's principal interest to today's viewers will be for Ann Miller completists.