Every once in awhile I discover an actor that is a revelation. I've seen him or her in other roles but wasn't impressed enough to notice. Watching Ross Alexander I saw a likable, energetic, impressive singer. He puts Dick Powell to shame. After reading his bio I see why he never became a star. What a pity. When he and Edward Everett Horton do their patter songs it's impossible not to smile, stop the DVD and replay them. It was also nice to see Sazu Pitts in a glamor role. At 41 she could play frumps and spinsters 'til the cows come home. This one let her look her best. (If you've never seen her in a Von Stroheim film you don't know how good she could look when properly photographed.) The story is nothing. But the interaction of the characters is extremely well done. If you love 1930s character actors as I do, be sure to catch this film the next time it's on TCM.
16 Reviews
not so bad
jfawell11 December 2006
Not as bad as some here say. A tremendous showcase for Edward Everett Horton. His talking/singing duets with Ross Alexander are marvels of comic timing. Horton was in many better films than this, but few that showcased his talent as vividly. Ross Alexander has several scenes where he carries himself with great poise and comic sophistication. There is evidence here he could have been a stylish leading man had he not killed himself. Little known June Martel is surprisingly fetching as diner waitress, though she fades a little when masquerading as a debutant. The story construction is awful in this film but there is some snappy dialogue. In the end a must-see for Horton's and Alexander's musical numbers.
Odd, amusing, seemingly bland but pretty spicy
Handlinghandel4 December 2007
ZaSu Pitts and Guy Kibee are Kansans with money. We meet them as they've gotten off a ship in New York. Pitts wants publicity for their wealth. She wants a place in New York society, too.
Enter Edward Everett Horton. He has a plan to get them recognized. He will have a female acquaintance sponsor them -- for a price.
This is a comedy with few surprises, but I won't give any of them away.
Suffice it to say you haven't heard anything till you've heard Horton sing a love duet from "rigoletto" with Ross Alexander! Alexander plays the rich woman's freewheeling son.
The script is filled with gay double-entendres. These are both spoken (or sung!) and visual: At one point, Alexander is lifted in the air and appears in a very position position -- legs in the air. (Watch it and see for yourself.) The great Judy Canova is in it too. And can you believe it? She doesn't sing a note!
Enter Edward Everett Horton. He has a plan to get them recognized. He will have a female acquaintance sponsor them -- for a price.
This is a comedy with few surprises, but I won't give any of them away.
Suffice it to say you haven't heard anything till you've heard Horton sing a love duet from "rigoletto" with Ross Alexander! Alexander plays the rich woman's freewheeling son.
The script is filled with gay double-entendres. These are both spoken (or sung!) and visual: At one point, Alexander is lifted in the air and appears in a very position position -- legs in the air. (Watch it and see for yourself.) The great Judy Canova is in it too. And can you believe it? She doesn't sing a note!
Getting in that beautiful high society
bkoganbing18 March 2020
From Warner Brothers B picture unit Going Highbrow finds the newly rich Guy
Kibbee and Zasu Pitts trying to break into that beautiful high society Louis
Armstrong sang about. In fact they've just bought a Tintoretto and then a
castle for it to hang in.
For reasons historians of the 30s can't really explain people went to the movies to see rich people portrayed on the screen. In this case Kibbee is a down to earth sort and Pitts is nice, but with a few airs. I do love the way Kibbee describes how he made his money. He accidentally sold short before the Crash of 1929 something many in the movie theater audience wish they had.
Edward Everett Horton is manager of society denizen Nella Walker's fortune and he hasn't been doing so good lately for her or her son Ross Alexander. But he resolves to make the acquaintance of Kibbee and Pitts because if they like paintings she has plenty.
She also has a bachelor son and if Guy and Zasu only could get a daughter on short notice. That could be solved with the appearance of June Martel a waitress from the cafe across the street.
I think you can tell where this will end up. All the players fill out roles in which they are nicely typecast. You could also add Judy Canova playing Martel's fellow hashslinger.
Two tragedies emerged from this film. Gordon Westcott who is Martel's 'husband' and former vaudeville partner died in a polo match accident. And Ross Alexander's career was cut short by suicide.
Going Highbrow is pleasant viewing for an hour plus especially if you are a fan of one or more of these players.
For reasons historians of the 30s can't really explain people went to the movies to see rich people portrayed on the screen. In this case Kibbee is a down to earth sort and Pitts is nice, but with a few airs. I do love the way Kibbee describes how he made his money. He accidentally sold short before the Crash of 1929 something many in the movie theater audience wish they had.
Edward Everett Horton is manager of society denizen Nella Walker's fortune and he hasn't been doing so good lately for her or her son Ross Alexander. But he resolves to make the acquaintance of Kibbee and Pitts because if they like paintings she has plenty.
She also has a bachelor son and if Guy and Zasu only could get a daughter on short notice. That could be solved with the appearance of June Martel a waitress from the cafe across the street.
I think you can tell where this will end up. All the players fill out roles in which they are nicely typecast. You could also add Judy Canova playing Martel's fellow hashslinger.
Two tragedies emerged from this film. Gordon Westcott who is Martel's 'husband' and former vaudeville partner died in a polo match accident. And Ross Alexander's career was cut short by suicide.
Going Highbrow is pleasant viewing for an hour plus especially if you are a fan of one or more of these players.
"Going Highbrow" Does't Go as Smoothly as One Might Hope
glennstenb2 January 2022
"Going Highbrow" is entertaining, yes, but it definitely also is lacking an uncertain something. I just couldn't help thinking during the entire film that it was a shame for this notable cast and the attention to production to be pretty much squandered on a story that is so under-developed as well as begging for another edit.
The sets, for example the diner, the hotel, the party venue, and even the streets are filled with extras and appointments that were carefully chosen and liberally placed. Edw Everett Horton gets carried away at times with his antics, but the cast does a credible job here and it is fun to see Ms. Pitts and Mr. Kibbee play their cards. But, gee, a little more care and ten minutes more of exposition here and there could have resulted in a far more satisfying picture. Nonetheless, it should be fun for movie fans of the 1930's to see once.
The sets, for example the diner, the hotel, the party venue, and even the streets are filled with extras and appointments that were carefully chosen and liberally placed. Edw Everett Horton gets carried away at times with his antics, but the cast does a credible job here and it is fun to see Ms. Pitts and Mr. Kibbee play their cards. But, gee, a little more care and ten minutes more of exposition here and there could have resulted in a far more satisfying picture. Nonetheless, it should be fun for movie fans of the 1930's to see once.
A totally crappy film that is still somehow likable!
planktonrules22 November 2006
This film is a wonderful example of a rotten plot yet wonderful characters. It appeared as if the film were actually written by two people--one for the plot and one who strictly designed the characters and wrote the dialog. As for the plot itself, it's easy to sum up with one word--"stupid". Instead of trying to describe it, just let it go with that! But as for the characters, I have always been a sucker for colorful character actors and this one has Edward Everett Horton, Guy Kibbee and Zasu Pitts (in a rather restrained performance, thank goodness). And the writers infused these characters with wonderful personalities that were very much in line with their normal screen personas. Kibbee was a not overly bright but decent "normal guy", Zasu played a bumpkin of sorts who wanted "class" and Horton played a rich but decent schemer. Together, they helped to infuse the film with enough warmth and humanity that I was able to overlook the films MANY deficiencies and just enjoy it. While this is certainly NOT a film you should rush to see, it's a very amiable time-passer and a good example of a quality B-movie.
Fun thirties comedy
Induswa28 March 2020
If you like the silly comedies of the 30s then check this movie out.
Everybody is good in this movie but Edward Everett Horton steals the show. He is excellent.
ZaSu Pitts is also top notch. But as I say all the actors show their stuff in this funny uptown romp.
Everybody is good in this movie but Edward Everett Horton steals the show. He is excellent.
ZaSu Pitts is also top notch. But as I say all the actors show their stuff in this funny uptown romp.
Fun and fast-moving comedy
JohnSeal29 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The other reviews for Going Highbrow tend to be a little harsh, I think, so even though I've only given it a '5', I'm going to concentrate on the film's better qualities. Guy Kibbee and ZaSu Pitts are marvelous as a nouveau riche Kansas couple trying to impress Manhattan's bluebloods. Accordingly, they've purchased a pricey painting in Europe, attracting the attention of hustler Augie (the always wonderful Edward Everett Horton), who thinks he can squeeze some of their money out of them by selling them some artwork owned by the mother of his friend Harley (Ross Alexander, who should have been a star). Romantic interest is provided by waitress Sandy (gorgeous June Martel), and Judy Canova supplies yucks as her co-worker Annie. Sy Bartlett and Edward Kaufman's screenplay is filled with snappy dialogue, and as ridiculous as it all is, the result is tremendously entertaining.
money money money
SnoopyStyle7 November 2022
Cora and Matt Upshaw are an elderly Kansas couple with new money trying to buy their way into New York society. Harley Marsh is going broke under Augie's bad money management. Augie comes up with an idea to squeeze money from the Upshaws by selling the family's paintings. Matt befriends waitress Sandy and later hires her to play their daughter.
It's not the most compelling romance or funny comedy. The writing is a bit messy. It's not good comedic writing, but there is a screwball lightness to it all. The money set does get some hits without being too mean-spirited. That's kind of like this movie.
It's not the most compelling romance or funny comedy. The writing is a bit messy. It's not good comedic writing, but there is a screwball lightness to it all. The money set does get some hits without being too mean-spirited. That's kind of like this movie.
Disappointing farce
malcolmgsw1 March 2005
I was really full of anticipation before i viewed this film.What a great cast,full of great comedy actors from the 30s.I was about to uncover a forgotten masterpiece.How wrong i was.This was an extremely lame comedy,of the sort spawned by production requirements that one film a week be shipped out to the theatres.It just goes to show that you can have great talents but if you do not have a good script there is no likelihood that you will have a good film.Guy Kibee as usual plays a business man flirting with a younger woman,Zasu Pitts as so often plays the fretful wife and Edward Everett Horton plays Edward Everett Horton.Ross Alexander sings,if that is his own voice,a rather pleasant song.So the best that you can say about this film is that at 66 minutes it doesn't linger around too long.
Zasu Pitts Is a Lot of Fun
aimless-4616 November 2006
"All in all, "Going Highbrow" (1935) is a pretty good post production code comedy although its rather fragmented structure works against efforts to make it a unified story.
Cora (Zasu Pitts) and Matt (Guy Kilbee) Upshaw are hicks from Wellington, Kansas who accidentally made big money at the start of the stock market crash. Matt's broker misunderstood Matt's instructions and invested all his money in put (sell) options for a single stock, the total opposite of Matt's intentions. After the price declined no one exercised their options to buy and Matt got to keep all the proceeds.
Matt is still simple and unpretentious but Cora is determined to crash New York's "Society 400" list. The "nouveau riche" Upshaws enlist the old money (but none left) Marsh family to introduce Cora to the proper people. Part of the scheme involves hiring struggling actress Sandy Long (June Martel) to play Cora's daughter. This sets up an extremely lame romance between Martel and Ross Alexander, who plays the Marsh son. Edward Everett Horton plays Augie Winterspoon, the Marsh's financial adviser. He tries valiantly to link the story elements together.
The soon to be famous singer, yodeler, cowgirl Judy Canova does a nice job in a small supporting part as Sandy's coworker.
"Going Highbrow" is a must see for fans of Zasu Pitts as she dominates the first half of the film with a somewhat different variation on her airhead character. Instead of her usual scatterbrain adventures she plays a self-absorbed social climber, but still manages to infuse the role with her usual comic touches. Pitts was one of the few comedians whose gift for dialogue and expression was effectively complemented by a talent for physical comedy. Because her technique has never gone out of style, her films (including this one) do not seem nearly as dated as other productions from the same time period. Credit Una Merkel, Gloria Grahame, Goldie Hawn, and Brittany Murphy with keeping the Pitts' style alive down though the years.
Horton is almost young looking in this film but has already developed most of the comedic touches he would apply to countless character roles during his long career. He really has too much screen time and during the second half you keep wishing for more of Pitts who effectively disappears from the second half of the film.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Cora (Zasu Pitts) and Matt (Guy Kilbee) Upshaw are hicks from Wellington, Kansas who accidentally made big money at the start of the stock market crash. Matt's broker misunderstood Matt's instructions and invested all his money in put (sell) options for a single stock, the total opposite of Matt's intentions. After the price declined no one exercised their options to buy and Matt got to keep all the proceeds.
Matt is still simple and unpretentious but Cora is determined to crash New York's "Society 400" list. The "nouveau riche" Upshaws enlist the old money (but none left) Marsh family to introduce Cora to the proper people. Part of the scheme involves hiring struggling actress Sandy Long (June Martel) to play Cora's daughter. This sets up an extremely lame romance between Martel and Ross Alexander, who plays the Marsh son. Edward Everett Horton plays Augie Winterspoon, the Marsh's financial adviser. He tries valiantly to link the story elements together.
The soon to be famous singer, yodeler, cowgirl Judy Canova does a nice job in a small supporting part as Sandy's coworker.
"Going Highbrow" is a must see for fans of Zasu Pitts as she dominates the first half of the film with a somewhat different variation on her airhead character. Instead of her usual scatterbrain adventures she plays a self-absorbed social climber, but still manages to infuse the role with her usual comic touches. Pitts was one of the few comedians whose gift for dialogue and expression was effectively complemented by a talent for physical comedy. Because her technique has never gone out of style, her films (including this one) do not seem nearly as dated as other productions from the same time period. Credit Una Merkel, Gloria Grahame, Goldie Hawn, and Brittany Murphy with keeping the Pitts' style alive down though the years.
Horton is almost young looking in this film but has already developed most of the comedic touches he would apply to countless character roles during his long career. He really has too much screen time and during the second half you keep wishing for more of Pitts who effectively disappears from the second half of the film.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Cinderella
boblipton11 December 2023
Guy Kibbee made a lot of money in the stock market in 1929 when his broker sold when Kibbee told him to buy. Now he spends some of that money granting his wife's wishes. Her latest is to break into New York society. Matron Nella Walker is down to her residences and the furnishings, but she still has prestige. So Edward Everett Horton suggests they can enter society by marry Miss Walker's son, Ross Alexander, to their daughter.
They don't have a daughter, but Kibbee has taken a shine to June Martell, the waitress in the diner he likes to eat at. They fit her up as their daughter and throw a party to introduce her to Alexander, not knowing they've already met, and Alexander is smitten.
It's a Cinderella story, with Kibbee's checkbook serving as a magic wand. Although it occasionally gets a bit tiresome by its reliance on Horton's nitwittery, there's enough of the old-style Warner Brothers' rapid-fire editing to keep this moving along amusingly.
They don't have a daughter, but Kibbee has taken a shine to June Martell, the waitress in the diner he likes to eat at. They fit her up as their daughter and throw a party to introduce her to Alexander, not knowing they've already met, and Alexander is smitten.
It's a Cinderella story, with Kibbee's checkbook serving as a magic wand. Although it occasionally gets a bit tiresome by its reliance on Horton's nitwittery, there's enough of the old-style Warner Brothers' rapid-fire editing to keep this moving along amusingly.
You'd expect more from Kibbee & Pitts,but it's lacking in the script.
mark.waltz19 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Guy Kibbee and Zasu Pitts are a social climbing middle aged couple on Long Island, who having made their fortune, now want to be a part of New York's upper crust. Kibbee convinces a young waitress (June Martel) to pose as their daughter so they can throw a coming out party for her in order to enter society. They are assisted by Edward Everett Horton and Nella Walker in their quest, while a young singer (Ross Alexander) takes a shine to Martel after accidentally breaking the heel off her shoe which has gotten stuck in a 5th Avenue sewer cap (and later in the backyard of Kibbee's Long Island mansion). Martel's past comes back to haunt her, threatening to blow Kibbee's and Pitt's dream out of the social register. But then the script looses interest in Kibbee and Pitts, and focuses more on how to get Martel and Alexander together. The result---everything that happens in the first 3/4 ends up pointless and the film finishes on a disappointing note.
Warner Brothers during the 1930's could either be socially edgy or groundbreaking and technical. Where it wasn't successful was doing society comedy like Paramount, RKO and MGM did, even if they did have a top drawer art department. Prior to the production code, WB could churn out acceptable society comedies as long as they were utilizing things the code forced them to get rid of. In the case of "Going Highbrow", the results of this poor script that remains amazingly unfunny in spite of its comic leads are mediocre. June Martel made only a few more films at Warner Brothers before moving onto the poverty row studios and disappeared altogether. She's alright here, but nothing amazing considering the slew of leading ladies they already had at Warners.
Warner Brothers during the 1930's could either be socially edgy or groundbreaking and technical. Where it wasn't successful was doing society comedy like Paramount, RKO and MGM did, even if they did have a top drawer art department. Prior to the production code, WB could churn out acceptable society comedies as long as they were utilizing things the code forced them to get rid of. In the case of "Going Highbrow", the results of this poor script that remains amazingly unfunny in spite of its comic leads are mediocre. June Martel made only a few more films at Warner Brothers before moving onto the poverty row studios and disappeared altogether. She's alright here, but nothing amazing considering the slew of leading ladies they already had at Warners.
Foolish comedy is strictly for B-film addicts...
Doylenf16 November 2006
Even the presence of EDWARD EVERETT HORTON who is at his flustered best, can't save this innocuous little comedy from being a total bore.
ROSS Alexander's career never did materialize as Warner Bros. hoped, and this film must be one of the reasons why. He's the spoiled rich boy in a girl meets boy story striving for a Cinderella touch, since the girl is a poor waitress posing as the daughter of a rich couple so that they can mingle with high society.
Nothing works, not even the idea of a waitress disguised as a rich girl. ZaSu PITTS and GUY KIBBEE are the wealthy couple and JUNE MARTEL plays the hapless girl, making no impression at all.
Even for a programmer, it's a total waste of time.
ROSS Alexander's career never did materialize as Warner Bros. hoped, and this film must be one of the reasons why. He's the spoiled rich boy in a girl meets boy story striving for a Cinderella touch, since the girl is a poor waitress posing as the daughter of a rich couple so that they can mingle with high society.
Nothing works, not even the idea of a waitress disguised as a rich girl. ZaSu PITTS and GUY KIBBEE are the wealthy couple and JUNE MARTEL plays the hapless girl, making no impression at all.
Even for a programmer, it's a total waste of time.
Nutty, flighty comedy, somewhat uneasily cast...
moonspinner5518 March 2011
What can you say about a 1930s Cinderella plot done up as a screwy comedy wherein all the men's voices are twice as high as the women's? Theatrical married couple, out of work and on the rocks, are brought together again by fate after the wife, working as a waitress, is asked to impersonate the daughter of a high society twosome, while the husband is asked by the father of a potential new suitor to act as a suave former lover. Edward Everett Horton, playing meddlesome matchmaker Augie Winterspoon (!), dashes about like a mad pixie in spats; he's good for a few big laughs, but nothing Horton does here (or ever) is enough to bolster a wafer-thin plot full of romantic entanglements and complications. The dialogue comes fast and furious, but most of the wisecracks and put-downs are dated now, and embarrassing to witness. *1/2 from ****
fun, energetic love story romp
ksf-217 April 2020
One of the more fun, talented, comedy teams ever put together in one film: Edward Horton, Guy Kibbee, and the deadpan Zasu Pitts. The Upshaws (Kibbee and Pitts) have lots of money, but aren't part of the upper crust jet set... yet. Kibbee would rather eat at the lunch counter across the street, and that's where he meets and hires Sandy (June Martel). She will pretend to be their daughter, who's having her debut with the gentry. Augie and Harley (Horton and Ross Alexander) scheme to get their hands on some of the Upshaw's money, by selling the family paintings. This caper has its ups and downs, and of course, Sandy's past catches up with her, and may ruin the whole thing. the energetic Ross Alexander was gay when it wasn't okay to be gay in hollywood, and died so young at 29 just two years after making this. it's a fun, peppy love story. highly recommended. some fun scenes in the lunch counter. the silly duets between and Horton and Alexander did go on a bit too long. Once was just right... the second time was kind of a yawn. fun running gag where Sandy keeps getting her heel caught. (which was re-used in Glass Bottom Boat!) Great film, directed by frenchman Robert Florey.
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