There is a party scene with all of the Joan Crawford character's friends. A small, clever man is playing the piano, singing lively songs with impudent lyrics. Was this character meant to suggest Cole Porter?
shareI don't know, but that was definitely my impression, too.
shareThat's a great thought. I think that makes sense since Crawford's character was hobnobbing in New York cafe society.
shareThe small clever man playing the piano was Harry Barris, one of the original RHYTHM BOYS along with Bing Crosby and Al Rinker. Harry was a prolific sensitive song writer whose songs help catapult the young, outstanding, totally new type of singer - Bing, to stardom with such songs as WRAP YOUR TROUBLES IN DREAMS, I SURRENDER DEAR, MISSISSIPPI MUD, and IT MUST BE TRUE, among other great songs.
Harry was not portraying Cole Porter, who was not alcoholic, but Harry was. Harry frequently played musicians or band leaders in Bing Crosby films, as Bing liked to include his friends whenever he could. Barris only lived to be 57, and Bing helped him throughout his life, but Barris should have been recognized more for his beautiful touching songs. He was an important figure in music and especially in Bing's life. Also in this film is Frank Albertson, the person who introduced Dixie Lee to Bing Crosby at the Montmartre Club in Hollywood in 1929. Albertson did many films in the 1930s, but he is best remembered as James Stewart's "Hee Haw" yelling buddy who becomes rich once he leaves their town. -- .Maureen.S.
Good info, Maureen. Thanks.
shareThat is really satisfying bio of the piano man and explanation for his characterization in this movie. I don't think Cole Porter would have played the Death March piece the way this character does.
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