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4.8/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 4.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Bubbles remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
“Bubbles” from 1930, it’s a real trip, but honestly, probably not one for most folks these days. If you’re into digging deep into early sound films or just curious about what "entertainment" meant back when talkies were shiny and new, then yeah, give it a peek.
Everyone else? You'll probably find yourself bewildered, maybe even a little bored. 🤷♀️
This is a Vitaphone short, meaning it’s pretty much a filmed stage act. We open with Marjorie Kane.
She steps out, gives a little wave, and sings this sweet, almost melancholic song. Her voice is really clear, especially for 1930.
You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters. It’s a nice start.
Then, the 'cavern of make-believe' comes in. It’s exactly what you’d expect: painted backdrops, some fake rocks, maybe a little glitter.
The children, 'The Vitaphone Kiddies,' show up in these *adorable* but also kind of unsettling costumes. One kid’s wearing a giant mushroom hat, another is a fuzzy caterpillar.
It’s all very theatrical, very much of its time. You wonder who made those costumes.
The main event is these kids singing and tap dancing. And they really go for it!
Their little tap shoes clacking away, mostly in sync, which is actually pretty impressive. There’s a moment where a few of them are doing a line, and one kid’s steps are just a *tiny* bit behind, but they keep going.
It’s endearing, makes it feel real. Like, *this* is a live performance.
The songs themselves are super simple, catchy in a 'nursery rhyme' sort of way. Nothing deep, just pleasant little tunes about, well, bubbles, I suppose.
The camera just kinda sits there, watching them. No fancy cuts. It’s like watching a home movie, but from 1930 and with a budget.
There’s one kid, I think it was Mary Jane Gumm, who just has this incredible energy. She’s front and center for a bit, really selling it.
Her smile is so big. It kinda makes you grin along with her. Then there are a few moments where the kids are arranged in a tableau, just frozen, smiling.
It’s a bit stiff, you know? Like the director said, "Okay, hold it!" and they just did.
The whole thing feels so earnest. It doesn't try to be anything more than what it is: a little slice of joy from an era long gone.
Is it great cinema? Nah. But it’s a fascinating peek at what people found entertaining, and how early sound cinema was still figuring things out. The sound is surprisingly good, though sometimes a bit echo-y in that cavern. 🎶
Don't expect a story, or character development, or anything like that. Just tiny humans in funny outfits, making happy noises and tapping their feet.
It’s a quick watch, good for a laugh, or maybe a quiet reflection on how much has changed. Or how some things, like kids trying their best, never really do. 😊
IMDb —
1920
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