If I'm Lucky

Probably the most demands on Perry Como as an actor in his brief sojourn in Hollywood was this watered down remake of Dick Powell's classic Thanks A Million. Sad to say that has not been made available and it is a pity. Thanks A Million was a sharp and witty satire on the American political system how a crooner gets himself good and used by a corrupt political machine when they dump their candidate and nominate him for governor. The same material is used, but without the bite.

Instead of the radio crooners of the Thirties the music is now the swing music of the Forties supplied by Harry James. He's got a pair of attractions with his band played by Vivian Blaine and Carmen Miranda and a press agent played by Phil Silvers. He hires Perry Como as a male singer and the group accepts a touring gig with a political candidate who has a drinking problem and is played by Edgar Buchanan. One night when he's in his cups, Como goes on and wows the crowd. At that point the political bosses switch to use him as their stooge.

The musical score is nothing to write home about. Perhaps if Perry had a big hit from this he might have stayed a little longer in Hollywood. Not much more though. That relaxed attitude that made him welcome in so many homes in the 50s was not hiding any great acting talent like his contemporary graduate from the big bands Frank Sinatra.

Even Carmen Miranda was somewhat subdued in If I'm Lucky.

Hope that some day you get to see Thanks A Million so you can compare.

If a film was described as "made by 20th Century Fox, featuring Vivian Blaine, Carmen Miranda, Phil Silvers, Harry James, and Perry Como," you might reasonably expect the sort of bright, brash, and breezy Technicolor musical of which TCF were the masters during the 1940s.

If a film was described as "a black and white political satire about an upright young man duped into standing for office only to find that he was intended to front for a gang of corrupt politicos," you might reasonably expect the sort of film of which Frank Capra was master, perhaps starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur.

It is unlikely that you would envisage one film to fit both descriptions, but "If I'm Lucky" does just that. Perhaps we shall never know what prompted TCF to produce this unlikely hybrid, but surprisingly it works quite well. The musical numbers are neatly integrated into the plot, Phil Silvers' usual over-exuberance is kept in check, one misses Technicolor only during Carmen Miranda's numbers, and the political shenanigans are carried mainly by Edgar Buchanan, Reed Hadley, and other supporting players, thankfully making little demand on Perry Como's acting abilities.

This is not a particularly good movie, but nor is it a bad one, and it is sufficiently unusual to warrant attention.

The music and cast make this movie. "If I'm Lucky," is one of the lighter musicals of the 1940s with thin or silly plots. It's in the field of musical review, with a plot just to tie together the songs, music and dance numbers. And this film has some very enjoyable entertainment.

Harry James and his orchestra make it a collector's film for those who like the big bands of the swing era. Perry Como has a minor speaking role that provides his stage for some good songs. And, Vivian Blaine is good with her numbers. Some of the best stuff comes from Carmen Miranda with the entertaining choreographed dance numbers built around her songs.

Phil Silvers provides some light comedy as Wally Jones. The best lines are spoken by Michelle O'Toole (Miranda) and Wally. O'Toole, "Baby, don't forget my harp, Wally." Wally, "Oh, yes. Why didn't you play a piccolo?"

The stars of Something for the Boys-Phil Silvers, Carmen Miranda, Vivian Blaine, and Perry Como-reunite for this musical about a traveling band involved in a political campaign. They're joined by Edgar Buchanan and bandleader Harry James. Como is the leading man and he's not too bad in the acting department though the role isn't too challenging except when he has to expose some people and he does so adequately. No wonder he didn't do too many films. Ms. Miranda is her usual colorful self so it's a puzzlement why 20th Century-Fox didn't film this in Technicolor like her previous output. She and Silvers are still pretty funny as they were in the last one I mentioned. Ms. Blaine is also wonderful in her singing and has such an alluring presence when in close-up. Buchanan is his rascally charming self which didn't surprise me since I remember enjoying his role of Uncle Joe in reruns of "Petticoat Junction". And Harry James, well, he's a fine musician. So on that note, I recommend If I'm Lucky.

Silly but pleasant little Fox B trifle. A Carmen Miranda musical in B&W is an oddity but in B&W or color she is always Technicolor and is as full as sass as ever and her headgear is as truly astounding. Perry Como sings well and is certainly attractive but he is missing that big screen charisma needed for major stardom. It is easy to see why he was a big hit on TV, he possessed a very warm and friendly presence that makes you feel right at home. Vivian Blaine is lovely and Edgar Buchanan is always a welcome addition to any movie but Phil Silvers is an acquired taste, there's no in between either you like him or not. For me he's hard to take but if you're a fan than he can be amusing. One big plus this has is that Harry James and his band provide the music and that's always a good thing.