Hey! What's Your Name? Norman Z. McLeod's musical comedy "Baby from Brooklyn" (1946) with Danny Kay is a remake of a ten-year-old film Leo McCarey "The Milky Way" (1936) with Harold Lloyd, which has a very interesting story.
To begin with, this picture failed at the box office (in contrast to the 1946 film) miraculously survived to our days, since in the mid-1940s it was bought by the producer 'Kid ...' Samuel Goldwin and destroyed all copies. The exception was the only copy, which preserved to the present day thanks to Lloyd himself (which is why the 1936 film and is available for viewing today).
In 2004, another (and quite tasteless) remake "Milky Way" - "Calcium Guy" with Orlando Bloom in the lead role, which failed miserably at the box office, received negative reviews of criticism and was devoted to general oblivion. So, "Baby from Brooklyn" has a rather rich biography in order to draw attention to him.
An ordinary milkman Barley Sullivan (Danny Kay) accidentally becomes involved in a scandal - he sent (also by accident) to the knockout of a drunken world boxing champion Speed MacFarlane (Steve Cochran), who glued to his sister - a dancer from the Suzy nightclub (Vera-Ellen).
This event dramatically changes his life and Barley becomes a boxer, although most of his boxing victories are frankly rigged. However, Barley’s conceit from this increases in a geometric progression, which distances him from everyone to whom he is dear, primarily from his lover – singer Polly Pringle.
So, a year earlier on the screens already released the film, in which the main roles were played by Danny Kay, Virginia Mayo and Vera-Ellen. It's about the musical "Wonder Man" (1945). And now, a year later, in the wake of the success of this film, the three lead actors have reappeared together in another film.
Like a year ago, this trio did the same thing in this movie as they did before. Danny Kay amused the viewer with his jokes, grimaces and other fools. Virginia Mayo (vocals - Betty Russell) showed the viewer her external charm. Well, Vera-Ellen (vocals - Dorothy Ellers) showed the wonders of choreography.
And, not surprisingly, despite some repetition, all this put together in the production of Norman Z. McLeod, again made a very pleasant impression. The plot of the film largely copies the tape with the participation of Harold Lloyd - of course, with the addition of colors and musical numbers in the remake of . Since I personally did not like the comedy with Lloyd, I will refrain from comparisons on the topic: Which is better - the original or a remake?
And although at times in the picture there is some overkill in terms of humor, the actors skillfully smooth out all the shortcomings. In addition to the above three performers, Steve Cochran stands out as a boxing champion, Yves Arden as an assistant manager and Walter Abel as the boxer’s manager himself.
The musical numbers in this film are very memorable, especially it is worth highlighting the dynamic and incendiary 'Hey! What's Your Name?' and 'Josie' by Vera-Ellen and Melodic 'You're The Cause of It All' by Virginia Mayo
In general, it turned out very bright and dynamic musical film, which can be recommended for viewing for those who are interested in the work of Danny Kay. Fans of Hollywood classics should also see this movie. Thank you very much.
8 out of 10