(1934)
3
Craig Butler
Terrifically uneven, like most of the "revue" films of the period, Hollywood Party has enough interesting segments to warrant a look, including a couple that are especially interesting. One of these would be the "Hot Chocolate Soldiers" cartoon from Walt Disney, a Technicolor extravaganza that feels as if it came from one of the "looser" studios rather than from the master animator himself. It's not an absolute classic, but it's a riot of color and nifty animation that's quite captivating. The other is a genuine classic, the immortal "eggs" routine involving Laurel and Hardy and Lupe Velez. While this sequence has been "anthologized" in many outlets, it still packs a wallop and is hysterically funny. There are also a number of very good sequences, if not quite in the league of these first two, including Frances Williams' delectable vocalizing; a number of attractive songs (and a number of indifferent ones as well); a nifty if short Three Stooges segment involving autograph seeking and the boys' resemblance to ancient man; and a number of noteworthy Velez moments. Jimmy Durante makes for an entertaining, if occasionally over zealous host, but Jack Pearl's schtick wears thin very quickly. Other routines run from the so-so to the flat, and the "dream" ending is a cop-out. Definitely an up-and-down affair, Hollywood comes out slightly ahead on the whole.
cast-crew for Hollywood Party on AllMovie
Hollywood Party (1934)
