Complete credited cast: | |||
Anne Shirley | ... | Jenny Yates | |
Phillips Holmes | ... | Philip 'Phil' Greene Jr | |
Edward Ellis | ... | Uriah Lowell | |
Erik Rhodes | ... | Mr. Archie Fisher | |
Margaret Hamilton | ... | Emily 'Tippie' Tipton | |
Granville Bates | ... | Philip Greene Sr | |
Allen Vincent | ... | Mr. Harrison | |
Lucille Ball | ... | Lillian Temple | |
George Offerman Jr. | ... | Michael Arbuckle | |
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Maxine Jennings | ... | Self |
Jenny has always been fascinated with the stage, especially since her mother was a famous actress. She learns that a theatrical company is putting on the play that included her mother's most famous role. She leaves home to join the company. The trouble is, she doesn't realize that the producers consider the moth-eaten play high camp, while Jenny is taking the whole thing seriously. Written by Daniel Bubbeo <dbubbeo@cmp.com>
Once in a while a film shows up on TCM that is a small gem from the past. "Chatterbox" is just such a film. Set mostly in a small town, it stars Anne Shirley, little-known today, an actress who gave up a career in film while in her twenties. She lives in a mind-world of the late 1800's, a world of genteel manners, romantic writing, and little sense of irony. Her mother had been a noted actress and Shirley aspired to the same. The charm of the film lies in its detailed portrayal of small-town America. There is an honesty in the dialogue and behavior.
Without divulging too much plot, I must add that the revelation was Erik Rhodes, the pencil-mustachioed, gigolo of Astaire-Rogers movies, here, sans moustache,and Italian accent, a Broadway wise guy director.Throw in a very young and very blonde Lucille Ball and you have a diverting entertainment. The scene of Shirley's stage performance is wonderful.
Look for this film as a memento of an earlier, more innocent age.