Artists and Models: A chaotic mess that somehow works

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, it depends on how much you like watching people sprint through rooms for no reason. If you dig 1930s musical comedy, you’ll probably have a blast. If you’re the type of person who needs the plot to make sense every five minutes, you are going to be miserable. It’s light, it’s loud, and it’s very much a product of its time.

Jack Benny is the anchor here, playing that classic 'I’m so broke I might die' version of himself. He’s great at being flustered. He has this way of looking at the camera like he’s just realized he’s in a movie he didn't read the script for.

The whole premise hinges on this 'Townsend Girl' hunt. It’s flimsy. It’s paper-thin. But then Fashion Row this is not. Nobody is here for high stakes.

The musical bits

Suddenly, Louis Armstrong pops up. It feels like he wandered onto the wrong set, but then he starts playing and suddenly the movie has a heartbeat. It’s one of those weird 30s transitions where the plot just hits a wall so someone can sing for three minutes.

Martha Raye shows up and just about steals the furniture, the floorboards, and the rest of the film. She has this manic energy that makes everyone else look like they’re asleep. You can almost see the other actors trying to keep up with her and failing. It’s delightful.

Odd little things

• The fashion choices are… bold. Some of these hats look like they were built to survive a hurricane.
• The pacing is frantic. It feels like the director was trying to finish the movie before the lunch break.
• Ida Lupino is in this, looking like she knows she’s destined for much heavier stuff. She plays the professional model with this sharp edge that cuts right through the fluff.

There’s a scene in Miami that goes on for a lifetime. Everyone is running around in evening gowns and suits, and you lose track of who is supposed to be who. It feels less like a comedy of errors and more like a fever dream. Sometimes, that’s okay!

I found myself wondering if anyone actually read the script all the way through before filming started. It has that vibe of a party that’s been going on for three days straight. Some bits drag, especially the middle section where they try to explain the contract thing for the tenth time. Just let them sing and be silly.

It’s not a masterpiece. It’s barely a movie, really. It’s more like a collection of sketches glued together with musical numbers and sheer willpower. But if you’re looking for something to watch on a rainy Tuesday when you don't want to think, this will do just fine. 🎷