John G Blystone is probably a name not known to many in this day and age but he was obviously a more than capable director with a long career in direction with stars such as James Cagney and Tom Mix. He also helmed a Charlie Chan movie and pertinent to this review worked ably in comedy, calling the shots with Buster Keaton and perhaps, most impressively, Laurel and Hardy in Swiss Miss and Blockheads. Going by the title one would envision a frothy, light headed farce with a gaggle of bright young things whooping it up and painting the town red, and it does fall under the comedy banner, but subtly goes beyond that, too. The plot concerns Joy Stanhope, played by Frances Dee, who gives a real leading lady performance, going from vivacity to despair and we are with her every step of the way. She is a privileged young woman about to come out as a debutante on her 18th birthday. Her dilemma? Her family want her to marry the eligible Jimmy Wolverton who is in reality, a hopeless drunk, but she's in love with Chris Hansen, a struggling but talented musician, not of her set. Unfortunately, these suitors, played by Phillip Trent and Gene Raymond don't match Dee in the acting stakes. They have their moments (particularly Trent when inebriated) but both are a little on the bland side. Fortunately there are a plethora of great character turns: Alison Skipworth is formidable and very watchable as a wedding planner, Jesse Relph brings warmth and twinkle to the housekeeper that dotes on Dee, Harry Green brings real drollery and likeability to his role of a bandleader, Harold Minjir (if I've identified him correctly) does an amazing and painful looking pratfall over a stepladder and Nigel Bruce, my reason for watching, plays it sort of straight (a comic interlude witb bagpipes aside) as faithful family retainer, Troon. His Scottish accent isn't always on the money (odd considering his ancestry) but he has some nice moments, particularly in his firm but dignified final speech to his master. The film is well shot with some great overhead views of the ballroom and there is a very effective, disturbing scene where the traumatised debutante, Dee is passed around from man to man in an excuse me dance (all of whom, for entrance purposes have had their hands 'stamped') which puts one in mind of a timid cow being preyed upon by lecherous bulls. This film is far better than I was expecting and it will only take up an hour and 20 minutes of your time. Not a masterpiece but recommended to those that enjoy the silver screen of the 30s.
