A Star Fell from Heaven is mostly just for the singing

You should probably watch this if you’re a sucker for 1930s tenors or just want something light that doesn’t require a brain. If you can’t stand stilted acting and people standing in rows to deliver lines, stay far away. 🎬

The whole thing is really just a way to get Joseph Schmidt on camera. He was this tiny guy with a voice that felt like it belonged to a giant.

In the movie, he’s a music student who ends up secretly dubbing a famous tenor. He needs the cash so he can finally make enough money for propose to the girl he loves.

She is the daughter of his housekeeper, which is a very 'movie' way to have a romance. It’s all very sweet and unbelievably old-fashioned.

There’s a scene where the handsome actor on screen is trying to look 'operatic' while Schmidt does the actual work from behind a curtain. It’s kind of funny because the actor is trying way too hard.

His face gets all red and he’s waving his arms around like he's fighting bees. Meanwhile, you hear this perfect, controlled voice that clearly isn't coming from that guy's throat.

The sets look like they’re made of cardboard and hope. Everything has that very clean, studio-lit look that makes the outdoors feel like an indoor hallway.

I liked Judy Kelly well enough, but she doesn't get much to do. She mostly just exists to be the reason for the plot to happen.

It reminded me a bit of the vibe in Panna Meri, though maybe a little less polished. The energy is just different when it's an English version of a continental story.

There is a lot of talking. Sometimes too much talking about things that don't really matter to the story at all.

I found myself zoning out during the long conversations between the producers. It felt like they were just trying to fill time until the next song could start.

But then Schmidt starts singing again and everything is fine. That voice really is something else, even if the sound quality of 1936 is a bit fuzzy.

It’s interesting that this is the English version of a German film. I heard the German one has a different ending, which is usually how these things went back then to please different crowds.

The English ending feels a bit rushed. Like they had a bus to catch and needed to finish the scene in one take and just go home. 🚌

Some of the supporting cast are doing that very loud, theatrical acting that was common before people realized movies aren't stage plays. Steven Geray is in this, and he’s always fun to spot in these old flickers.

It’s not exactly a masterpiece like The Honor System, but it’s got its own weird charm. It feels very earnest.

One thing I noticed was a background extra who just looked bored out of his mind. He’s just standing there while the lead is having a big emotional moment, probably thinking about lunch.

It’s those little things that make these old movies feel real to me. They weren't trying to be perfect every second.

If you like the history of sound in film, it’s a cool look at the early 'dubbing' trope. It’s silly, sweet, and very loud in the best way. 🎵

Don't expect it to change your life. Just let the music wash over you and try to ignore the fact that the walls look like they might fall over if someone sneezes.