MovieChat Forums > Going Hollywood (1933) Discussion > I'm sorry to say it, but this is a stink...

I'm sorry to say it, but this is a stinker!


I'm a Davies fan (Bing too, and Kelly and Erwin) but this film is truly terrible. Bad script, poor continuity, boring direction, dull and weirdly pointless musical numbers (it sure gave me a renewed appreciation for ole Buzz!), and a lifeless performance by Marion Davies. I loved her so much in "Show People" and had high hopes for this. I will be looking for more of her films to compare the two with. I figured she left film because of Hearst, but maybe it was because when she had to speak, she could no longer focus on her acting. Possibly her stilted manner was how she overcame the stuttering. Maybe she'd just given up her baby and was depressed. Whatever the problem was, she did herself no favors with this one!

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No kidding. I've liked Miss Davies in quite a number of films so I DVR'd this and I just had to fast forward through most of the terrible musical numbers--bad songs badly staged. I couldn't believe this film has 7.8 out of 10 rating. It's a 5 at best and that's being generous.

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I wouldn't say the songs were bad... the ones Bing sang were memorable, if awkwardly staged sometimes (like the Going Hollywood number). But the "duet" with Marion, in her dream sequence...that was the weakest musical number.

I've enjoyed Marion in many movies, including other talkies, so I'm gonna blame the script here. Poor continuity, as you mentioned, plus an unrealistic premise, thin characterization, unbelievable love story, etc. I read a review that said Marion's character was mistaken in believing Bing was with another woman when she heard his voice through her door...that in fact it was just a record playing. Did I blink and miss that revelation, or is it a flaw in the editing/direction?

Anyway, either I hadn't read about Marion's stuttering problem, or the fact slipped my mind... hmmm... I noticed she had a calm, deliberate way of speaking, and I guess I know why now. I think it gave her an underplaying effect in this movie, which contrasted nicely with that other actress who played the temperamental French actress in a very over-the-top way. Whether that contrast was an acting choice (since the characters were both fighting over Bing and were supposed to be opposites) or an accident due to Marion's efforts to control the stutter, it worked out, in my opinion!

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The film really is pretty bad and the worst part of it for me was Bing Crosby. I was not buying his performance at all. The so-called happy ending is hokey and weird. I’m sure there’ll be some people out there who’ll like this movie but I’m not one. My recommendation: if you haven’t seen it, don’t bother.


Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]

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So far everyone who has commented is full of shit as a Christmas turkey. My message to intelligent potential viewers is don't pay any attention to what they have said.

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