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  • Warning: Spoilers
    A rather perplexing an unbelievable story prevents the second of the "Teen-Agers" musical series at Monogram from being as good as the first film. It seems that somewhere along the line, that character that singer Freddie Stewart plays must have been separated at birth from a twin, because there's a popular radio singer named Frankie who looks and sounds exactly like him, and none of the bobby-soxers at his school even can see the similarities. Somehow, the character of Frankie that Stewart plays is married secretly with a child and when Frankie's wife sees a picture of Freddy, she becomes convinced that her husband has amnesia and shows up at Freddy's School. this causes all sorts of confusion with the faculty and Freddy's circle of friends.

    The film still has the Zip Zap and Zing of the first entry, and the musical numbers certainly are fantastic and energetic, and keeping up with the spirit of the mid-to-late 1940s. Stuart gets to sing a swinging version of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", while the ensemble numbers have fantastic choreography, with June Preisser once again showing off her life body with gymnastic moves that would give most people back pains from just watching. There are some very funny moments involving the school staff including a spinster teacher that has a crush on the principal. That adds some interesting character elements to the film and in spite of the plot implausibilities, provides additional and much-needed laughs.
  • Our old pal Freddie Trimball is mistaken for singing heartthrob Frankie (not sure of the last name) who's gone missing. The misunderstanding is natural as both characters are played by Freddie Stewart. When Frankie's wife and baby show up and Freddie's high school, it naturally leads to much hilarity.

    Freddie Steps Out is the second in Monogram's Teen Agers series. And, these "kids" aren't getting any younger. Don't misunderstand, June Pressler looks great, but she aged quit a bit between Junior Prom and this movie.

    As with Junior Prom, Freddie Steps Out is all harmless enough. I had some of the same problems I had with the first film, however - dull musical interludes and lame comedy. I was especially annoyed by all the baby shenanigans as every character in the film exhibited the brain power of a sponge. Had one person stopped to honestly analyze the situation, everything could have been resolved in seconds. But then again, I suppose that wouldn't have been much of a movie.

    I see that there are several more films in the series. I suppose the actors will be approaching middle-age and still playing teen agers. We shall see.

    4/10
  • bkoganbing13 April 2019
    This film about the teens at Whitney High School has some elements of Brother Rat in the plot. It also seems to indicate that Freddie Stewart and the rest of the student body must lead sheltered lives if no one has noticed before his resemblance to Sinatra like crooner also played by Stewart.

    Stewart the Sinatra desires peace and quiet and to get away from the career for a bit. He takes an extended cure for a bit at a rest home near Whitney, but his wife comes looking for him with their infant in tow.

    The infant causes all kinds of complications in everyone's lives putting it bluntly.

    Some nice but forgettable original songs. Don't Blame Me by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields a recycled high point in the vocal department.

    These kids so old worse than 90210 and that was much better a product.
  • Warning: Spoilers
    It starts with Dodie's year away.

    Frankie supposedly makes $5000 a week in 1946! That's like $75k in today's money.

    Why is Lee not still in federal prison for his scheme to extort money from Frankie's management?

    Then there is the mysterious sardine consortium that seemingly runs thing. .