Years before she became Granny on television's The Beverly Hillbillies, Irene Ryan was a favorite with also-ran theaters catering to films like Hot Rhythm, a now forgotten little music programmer from Poverty Row company Monogram. The story isn't much and the stars, Dona Drake and Robert Lowery, only passable, but when Irene's lips begins to quiver and she starts wailing Edward Cherkose and Edward Kay's "The Happiest Girl in Town," you just know you're in for something special. According to the plot, the comedy song sold in the thousands and it wouldn't be a bit surprising if that happened in real life as well. It certainly remains the highlight of Hot Rhythm -- that and Harry Langdon's brief turn as a recording studio manager named Mr. Whiffle.
by Hans J. Wollstein
review
