Enjoyment of this frantic wartime farce depends entirely on the viewer's tolerance of raucous comedienne Joan Davis. People readily admit partisanship when it comes to the ever-mugging Davis, whether she, as in this film, pretends that a chicken leg is a harmonica, has trouble uncrossing her legs once crossed, or leads an all-girl orchestra in her patented boisterous way. For non-devotees, however, Beautiful but Broke may quickly become a chore as Davis remains front and center throughout. Vivacious Judy Clark, who could have given Betty Hutton a run for her money if given half the chance, manages to steal a moment or two for herself, and so does the pretty and melodic Jane Frazee, the "straight" girl of the trio, but their beaus are played by such Columbia Pictures nonentities as John Hubbard and Bob Haymes, both eminently forgettable, and the finale is a clumsy attempt at pure slapstick that quickly becomes grating.
by Hans J. Wollstein
review
