DbcultAccessing Vault...
6.4/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Girl from Woolworth's remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
So, The Girl from Woolworth's. If you’re into digging up those old Hollywood gems, the ones with a straightforward charm and a bit of musical flair, then yeah, give this one a look. It’s definitely not for folks who need explosions or super twisty plots. But if you’ve got a soft spot for classic misunderstandings and a bit of singing, you might just smile through it. Others might find it a bit… slow, maybe a little too simple.
The story itself is pretty neat, in that old-school way. Daisy, our main character, works at Woolworth’s, but her heart is clearly on a stage. She just loves to sing. You see it in her eyes, even in the slightly faded black and white footage. It's a genuine yearning she has.
Then she meets Bill, a guard on the subway, at a party. Sparks fly, naturally. But here’s the thing: they both kinda lie about their jobs. He says he’s in 'transportation,' she hints at something grander than retail. It’s a classic setup for trouble, and honestly, you just know it's gonna bite them later. Kinda charming, but also makes you wonder what they *were* thinking. 🤷♀️
Bill finding her handbag on the subway is, of course, the big 'fate bringing them together' moment. A little too neat, maybe, but it serves its purpose. He returns it, asks her out. Dinner at the swanky Mayfield Club. This whole sequence just *feels* like a movie, you know?
And then there’s Lawrence Mayfield, the club owner. You can tell from the moment he lays eyes on Daisy that he’s interested. Not just in her voice, but in *her*. He offers her a job singing there, which is Daisy’s dream come true! You can almost *feel* her excitement bubbling over.
But Bill? Oh boy. He’s not happy. Not one bit. His face just kinda falls. It’s that age-old conflict: one person chasing their dream, the other feeling left behind or jealous. The Run-Away Bride had some of those vibes, too, with dreams getting in the way. Not exactly the same, but the feeling of 'what now?'
The film then kinda settles into this predictable but still kinda sweet rhythm. Daisy’s loving her new life, singing for crowds, getting all this attention. The Larry Ceballos Girls, who are also part of the club’s entertainment, add a nice little bit of razzle-dazzle in the background. They’re not exactly central, but they’re there, doing their thing. It makes the club feel more alive, even if it's just a few faces.
There's a scene where Daisy is practicing her song, and the camera just lingers on her for a moment. You can really get a sense of her dedication. It’s not a flashy scene, but it gives you a tiny window into her passion. 🎶
The complications, as the plot summary calls them, mostly revolve around Bill’s jealousy and Mayfield’s intentions. It’s never super dramatic, more like a gentle push-and-pull. You can see the misunderstanding brewing, the silly pride getting in the way. It’s not groundbreaking stuff, but it’s done with a certain sincerity.
What struck me was how *earnest* everyone feels. Even the 'bad' guy, Mayfield, isn't truly evil, just a bit opportunistic. It's a simpler time, I guess, when movie villains could just be charming scoundrels. It’s a nice change from today’s intense baddies. The crowd scenes at the club, they're not exactly bursting with energy, almost like they were told to clap politely.
The pacing, for a film of its era, feels pretty standard. It moves along without rushing, letting scenes breathe a bit. Sometimes a bit *too* much breathing, maybe, but it never really drags. You get to spend some time with the characters, even if they're not always making the smartest choices. One bit that stuck with me: the way Daisy looks at Bill when she's singing her heart out, almost like she's still trying to win his approval even while living her dream. That felt real.
All in all, The Girl from Woolworth's is a pleasant enough watch. It’s not going to redefine cinema, but it’s a sweet, uncomplicated story about dreams and love and silly white lies. If you’re looking for a quiet evening with a slice of cinematic history, you could do a lot worse. Just don't expect anything groundbreaking, just a nice little tune. 🌟
IMDb —
1917
Community
Log in to comment.
