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We're Not Dressing (1934)
We're Not Dressing (1934)
As one of Bing Crosby's earlier works, you must take the make-up and pinned ears with an open mind. In fact, if you want to enjoy this one, just keep an open mind (or illogical one) handy through out the whole picture.
We find ourselves first coming upon a small ocean liner somewhere out in the ocean... It starts off well enough, with an adorable Bing Crosby serenading a more-than-lovely Carole Lombard, lowly deck hand and refined socialite. Lombard is obviously taken with him, but does everything within her power to make him believe otherwise. After an awkward moment with a bear (that has no other standing in the plot other than to create more situations for Bing to sing), Lombard scolds the sailor by slapping him. Naturally, he returns it with a kiss and this ultimately ends with him being sent away, with the loss of his job and wages. What this all is leading to is a shipwreck (how, I still can't tell you), the crew and small group of socialites being marooned on an island, thought to be uninhabited (later you'll see why we wished it were). Now the sailor finds himself in the plus, no longer taking orders but giving them. Obviously, this making it very difficult on the high and mighty Lombard; who sets out to taunt him and string him along after being forced to follow his lead. We all know it must end in love, and it does; but only after a few scuffles and a couple more numbers sung.
As we go through out the picture, Crosby sings his chords out; arguably the best of which being "May I," sung (on deck) to Lombard as she tries to pretend she is not interested in the young sailor. Watch for her to lose concentration: Every time Crosby turns to look at her she frowns, then regains the most endearing smile when he turns away. Lombard, however, loses her place at one point and does vice-versa; making the moment very charming on screen.
There are a few low moments... most involving a chained bear named "Droopy" who parades around the deck at one point on roller skates. The real bear (easily not confused with the imitation, trust me) does give Crosby something to do as he belts out "... I fell in love with her, because she reminds me of you!" He combs the animal reluctantly and is obviously having a hard time handling the thing. At one point it seems as though it will take a shot at Bing's face. Seems like a lot of trouble and risk for something that has nothing to do with the film! Still, I don't know which is more annoying, the bear or the man dressed up as a bear; continuously throwing Bing on deck any time he doesn't sing another one of this movies memorable tunes, "Lovely Little Lady." Wait, I'll up it once more... The island has two naturalist occupants, Gracie Allen and George Burns. Should I go on or do you already know what's coming? OK, I'll give you a quote... "Gracie, you're daffy!" "Oh I love daffy!" "No, I mean your nuts!" "Oh, George I love daffy but can i get it without nuts?" "Gracie I mean you're just plain daffy!" "Now that's what i want... just plain daffy." Shall I stop? I know... it's painful.
Over all, the film is musically and romantically satisfying. Sure, it's strange; but that remains one of the reasons why it retains its charm. It's no Casablanca, but who needs that impeccable plot and well-written dialogue? Not when you can have Bing serenading a man in a bear suit... I highly recommend this film, and have seen it many, many times. It may not be for everyone, but fans of Bing Crosby and early Paramount films will find themselves with appetites aptly satisfied.