Ups and Downs

This is another weakly plotted vehicle, existing mainly to showcase Hal LeRoy's wonderful legomania tap dancing. If you already like Hal LeRoy then I've said enough; if you've not yet seen him then this isn't a bad place to start (though the numbers here aren't as good as they are in Rhythmyitis or Picture Palace), particularly since it's one of the few Leroy films currently viewable (available as an extra on the DVD of "Stage Door").

This short also marks the first screen appearances of both June Allyson and Phil Silvers. Silvers isn't given much to do, and only shows hints of the zaniness he would eventually develop. June Allyson appears incredibly young, a tad gawky, and already projecting her typical warm charm. Unfortunately she's not in LeRoy's class as a dancer; instead of firing up his energy she somewhat holds him back when they're dancing together.

Still, all in all, well worth renting the DVD just to watch this short.