The adolescent who viewed this movie in 1934 could not possibly have guessed that he would be viewing it again more than seven decades later. The 'hit of the day', "I'll String Along With You" by Dubin and Warren which was introduced in "20 Million Sweethearts" is as fresh as ever today. Dick Powell who was often paired with Ruby Keeler in the memories of many, actually made more musical movies with other female stars such as Joan Blondell, Marion Davies, Rosemary Lane, Priscilla Lane, Gloria Stuart, Ann Dvorak, Doris Weston, Anita Louise and Josephine Hutchison.
If a decade is to be characterized by a single male singer, it would be difficult to find a more industrious actor-singer than Mr. Powell. Bing Crosby was also popular but the many others who tried never seemed to appear as often as did Dick Powell.
In this low budget movie, which did not have the huge production numbers associated with Busby Berkeley, a fast paced simple plot with many sparkling musical numbers made it a success. Of course, the presence of the gifted Ginger Rogers as a co-star helped immensely. ( This was before she was to star in "Top Hat")
A stalwart supporting cast of Pat O'Brien, Allen Jenkins, Grant Mitchell and Joseph Cawthorn carried the story. This was backed up with many numbers by the original Four Mills Bros. "Out For No Good" rendered by the four together with Powell is a real treat. Sadly, a scant two years later, John Jr expired suddenly and John Sr was prevailed upon to 'fill in'. Thus it is that the quartet was to consist of a father and three sons for the major part of its successful career.
The Radio Rogues bring back memories of other stars of the era with their great imitations of Ben Bernie, Kate Smith, Joe Penner, Morton Downey, to mention a few.
If this movie appears on your TV schedule, by all means, grab the opportunity to look behind the scenes of how the major entertainment media of the 30's, radio, operated and enjoy the music.
If a decade is to be characterized by a single male singer, it would be difficult to find a more industrious actor-singer than Mr. Powell. Bing Crosby was also popular but the many others who tried never seemed to appear as often as did Dick Powell.
In this low budget movie, which did not have the huge production numbers associated with Busby Berkeley, a fast paced simple plot with many sparkling musical numbers made it a success. Of course, the presence of the gifted Ginger Rogers as a co-star helped immensely. ( This was before she was to star in "Top Hat")
A stalwart supporting cast of Pat O'Brien, Allen Jenkins, Grant Mitchell and Joseph Cawthorn carried the story. This was backed up with many numbers by the original Four Mills Bros. "Out For No Good" rendered by the four together with Powell is a real treat. Sadly, a scant two years later, John Jr expired suddenly and John Sr was prevailed upon to 'fill in'. Thus it is that the quartet was to consist of a father and three sons for the major part of its successful career.
The Radio Rogues bring back memories of other stars of the era with their great imitations of Ben Bernie, Kate Smith, Joe Penner, Morton Downey, to mention a few.
If this movie appears on your TV schedule, by all means, grab the opportunity to look behind the scenes of how the major entertainment media of the 30's, radio, operated and enjoy the music.