Musical Charmers: A Quick Spin Through Vaudeville

Is it worth your time?

If you have ten minutes to kill and want to see what 1930s stage charisma looked like, sure. If you’re looking for a plot, look somewhere else—fast. This is purely for people who dig old-school musical arrangements or the history of vaudeville. Anyone who needs a deep narrative arc or hates big band swing is going to be bored out of their mind.

It’s honestly refreshing how little this thing cares about being 'important.' It just wants to play some tunes.

The Camera Won't Sit Still

The director, Fred Waller, clearly decided that a static shot is the enemy. The camera is constantly panning, zooming, and shifting. It creates this restless energy that feels weirdly modern for a film this old. Sometimes it feels like they were just trying to keep the audience from falling asleep in the theater. 🎷

There’s a moment during one of the solos where the camera does this awkward twitchy zoom. It caught me off guard. It’s not smooth, but it’s human. It feels like the cameraman was probably drinking too much coffee that day.

Comparison and Vibes

It’s a different beast than something like Ah Wilderness! which actually has a story to tell. This is more like a musical interlude you’d find in a variety program. It shares some of that same zest found in the shorts like Teddy Birds, where the focus is entirely on the spectacle rather than the substance.

• The brass section is surprisingly sharp.
• The lighting makes everyone look like they are perpetually squinting.
• The transitions between songs are basically non-existent.

You can tell they were trying to capture that vaudeville stage magic, but the frame is a bit tight. You miss some of the scale of the orchestra because the camera is too busy chasing individual violinists. It’s a shame, really.

Final Random Thoughts

I caught myself tapping my foot during the second number. I’m not even a big swing person. It’s just catchy enough to bypass your brain and go straight to your nerves. It’s not high art, but it’s certainly not a chore to watch. It’s just a vibe.

If you want to see a movie that isn't trying to change your life, this fits the bill. Just don't look for any hidden meanings in the sheet music. There aren't any. It's just brass, strings, and a whole lot of ambition. 🎺