Hollywood on Parade No. A-1

Paramount Pictures enters the "Hollywood takes a look at itself" field this this, first of the series that ran from 1932 through 1934. Fredric March acts as master of ceremonies, and there are three musical numbers and one brief 'hillbilly sketch' starring Jakc Duffy, a slapstick comedian who made up as an old man, to make his bone-breaking pratfalls look even more daring.

It's all performers who are familiar to fans of old movies, even though it seems weird having the Brox Sisters pose and sing "Falling in Love Again" like they'r triplicate Marlene Dietrichs. The one performer who was new to me was Eddie Peabody, described as "the world's greatest banjo player." He appears with a chorus of pretty young women, arranged like a monstrel show, and runs some flashy cuts.

Hollywood on Parade No. A-1 (1932)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

The same year he was winning an Oscar for his performance in DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, Fredric March was playing Master of Ceremonies in this first entry in Paramount's series, which was meant to show various acts performing.

Whenever you watch these old shorts the best thing is finding future stars before they managed to make it big. This one here features Ginger Rogers who sings a nice little song. Other acts include The Brox Sisters, Jack Oakie and Jack Duffy. None of the acts are all that entertaining but it's certainly entertaining enough to make it worth viewing.