Step Lively

1944 "It's Fun!"
6| 1h28m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 26 July 1944 Released
Producted By: RKO Radio Pictures
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

Fly-by-night producers dodge bill collectors while trying for one big hit.

Genre

Drama, Music

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Director

Tim Whelan

Production Companies

RKO Radio Pictures

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Step Lively Audience Reviews

Hellen I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much
Wordiezett So much average
VeteranLight I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.
Isbel A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.
vincentlynch-moonoi Frank Sinatra eventually became a fine actor. Eventually.MGM made great musicals. This film was produced by RKO.In sum, this is a light weight musical with a light weight plot and light weight acting. It's not just a gas, it's helium.In all fairness to Sinatra, this was only his second film appearance, and surprisingly the film following this one was "Anchors Aweigh" in which he did very nicely. But, that latter film was an MGM production. It makes a difference.I was not impressed at all with the songs here, although they were composed by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne.The cast here does "okay". Just "okay". George Murphy, who I have seen in other films and who can be quite engaging, should have protested his role here; about all he does is yell and scheme; an embarrassment. Adolphe Menjou is a bit entertaining blowing his top. Gloria DeHaven does alright musically and acting, but it's clear why she never became top shelf. Walter Slezak was not even particularly funny here as the hotel manager. Eugene Palette is always entertaining.Frankly, to like this film one would have to be a super fan of Frank Sinatra.
Alex da Silva George Murphy (Gordon) has taken over a floor of a hotel managed by Walter Slezak (Joe). The entire cast of his show eats and sleeps there for free to the horror of Slezak's boss Adolphe Menjou (Wagner). The film follows Menjou's attempts to throw everyone out of the hotel and Murphy's attempts to get some backing for his show.The film is easy to watch with pleasant songs and some funny moments. Gloria DeHaven (Chris) and Frank Sinatra (Glenn) are good but Murphy and Menjou are guilty of shouting too much, The story is complete nonsense and overall it's too shouty.Sinatra can obviously sing but it is the female backing singers that leave a lasting impression. They sing in that Wonderful World of Disney style that leaves a magical note in the air.
sedwinxl Do you like good romantic music with beautiful vocals and crisp clear images? Certainly you do. But if you're looking for "Citizen Kane" or "Gone With the Wind" then you too should be gone and not allowed to comment on this sparkling gem. The film was made in 1944 with a gorgeously tender 19-year-old Gloria DeHaven and a 29-year-old Frank Sinatra in perfect voice. The songs are perfect: Where Does Love Begin (and where does friendship end), Some Other Time (I could resist you), Ask the Madam (she knows it all), and the fantastic Come Out (wherever you are) featuring Gloria in a bathtub in the final year of her teenage glory. Good God how could anyone resist the lure of this film? Now I will admit that George Murphy and company are way over the top as far as vociferous antics are concerned and they are certainly no match for this film's progenitors, Room Service, and the Marx Brothers. And I admit that according to IMDb the film did not do well at the January 1945 box office when it was released. But then honestly if you consider the fact that the USA was fighting for its life in World War II and it was frigid throughout half of the country that is extremely forgivable. Just ask yourself how many Academy Awards are ever given to films released in January! So in summary I suggest that this movie is artistically filmed, delightfully cast and a true beauty in every way. However I do suggest that you turn down the sound until Frankie and/or the incredibly delectable Miss DeHaven (or even Mr. Murphy) begin to sing. Watch the crip clean contrasts of the film and immerse yourself in the perfect images captured and then when the greatest song phraseologist of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra, or his distaff partner, gloria DeHaven, open their mouths to sing turn up the volume and luxuriate in the fantastic melodies and harmonies from Gene Rose, Alex Stordahl and C. Bakaleinikoff. This is a film to immerse oneself in and feel the joy of life and love rather than tear apart pretending one is some sort of Ebert and Roper tyro. This movie is an emotional rejuvenation. Frankly I love this film, Gloria DeHaven, and the era in which it was made; the greatest generation as Tom Brokaw would say. If you're out of high school and capable of any sincere feelings you will love it too.
MartinHafer This film is at times an exact copy of the Marx Brothers film, ROOM SERVICE. Instead of the Marxes, Frank Sinatra and his pals reprise the exact same roles. The first versions of most movies are usually the best, and this could certainly be said of this film. Think about what a tough road this movie had--no Marx Brothers and yet it was to somehow say something unique and worth watching. Well, it didn't. While it is certainly a time-passer and worth watching from a historical point of view, I see no reason for the average viewer to do so. The songs that were added to the flick weren't particularly wonderful and the movie is nothing new. Just see the original film and be done with it!