Cure It with Music: A Whimsical Old Musical Worth a Peek?

So, 'Cure It with Music' from way back when. Is it worth digging up? Look, if you’re into the really old stuff, the kind of forgotten musical oddities where the plot’s just an excuse for some tunes and peculiar concepts, then yeah, maybe give it a whirl. If you expect modern pacing, deep character work, or even just consistent logic, you'll probably spend most of it scratching your head or checking your watch. This one’s for the adventurous old-film buffs, absolutely not for your average Friday night movie crowd. 🤷‍♀️

The whole idea of a 'musical sanitarium' is just… wild. I mean, who dreams that up? A French maid, Fifi D'Orsay, playing Jeanne, is secretly smitten with her employer's nephew, Eddie Ryan as Robert. This whole setup is, frankly, the best part of the movie. It’s pure, unadulterated escapism with a healthy dose of charming absurdity.

Fifi D'Orsay, she really carries this thing. Her eyes, they just sparkle with this mix of mischief and genuine longing. Every time she glances at Robert, you can almost feel her heart doing a little flutter. It’s not subtle, but it works for the era.

The sanitarium itself is a trip. Patients are literally being 'cured' by singing and dancing. There's this one scene where a bunch of them are doing a sort of group therapy via a lively chorus number, all a bit off-key but with such earnest faces. You don't know whether to laugh or feel genuinely touched by the earnestness.

And the music? Oh, the music. It’s not exactly catchy modern pop, obviously, but it’s got this delightful vaudeville energy. The Cavaliers Quartette show up and do their thing, harmonizing like it's the most important job in the world. It pulls you right into that specific moment in time.

Dean Raymond, as the uncle, he's mostly there to look bewildered. He's got this great, sort of perpetually confused expression, especially when Jeanne starts explaining her grand musical plans. You can practically hear him thinking, 'What in the world have I gotten into?'

The plot, such as it is, really just exists to string together these musical numbers and the maid's desperate attempts to win Robert's affection. Does he notice her? Eventually, of course, but it takes a lot of singing and a few overly dramatic close calls for him to get there. It feels a bit like a stage play where they just kept adding more songs.

There's a particular bit where Jeanne almost gets caught writing a love note. She shoves it into her apron pocket with such speed, and then immediately launches into a song about, I don't know, dusting or something equally mundane. It's a small moment, but it’s so telling about her character.

The pacing is… well, it’s 1930s pacing. Some of the musical interludes go on a little long, and you might find yourself checking if the record player's stuck. But then something silly happens, and you’re back in it. It’s not a smooth ride, but it's got its charm.

Karavaeff, Moore and Revel also have their moments, showcasing some really old-school stage talent. It’s like watching a variety show tucked inside a movie. Some acts are better than others, naturally. One tap dance number felt a tiny bit out of place, but hey, why not?

The film doesn't try to be anything it isn't. It's a simple, sweet, slightly bonkers musical romp. It never pretends to be high art, and that’s actually its biggest strength. It just wants to entertain you with a smile and a song. Or several songs. Many, many songs. 🎶

So, if you appreciate films that embrace their own quirky concepts without a hint of irony, and if the thought of a musical sanitarium makes you grin, then 'Cure It with Music' is a fun, nostalgic watch. It’s not going to change your life, but it might just put a smile on your face for an hour or so. Or make you wonder if music really *can* cure everything. Probably not. But it’s a nice thought.