Alice Brady

As good as this movie is I still like the remake with David Niven and June Allyson just as well. My Man Godfrey (1957) but many of his movies are hard to find. Such as "The Statue" and "Prudence and the pill".

The depiction of the class divide in the States is interesting. The wealthly industrialist is only interested in betting $100 a time on silly things, or in playing practical jokes on his so-called friends. He won't even think of supporting an orchestra - until someone points out the free publicity for his business! His scatter-brained wife holds lavish parties for her friends (sycophants, hangers-on), and is empty-headed and shallow. The poor unemployed musicians are at the other end of the spectrum, struggling to make ends meet in the supposed land of opportunity, with its 'classless' society.

On an even deeper level, we can see Stokowski as bridging this gap with his music. Classical music is the compensation that the poor receive to make their daily struggle for existence more bearable. It has a redemptive character bestowed by Stokowski on rich and poor alike.

I hadn't seen this film for 30 years myself, and found it still very enjoyable, although the trite plot and slightly mannered performances have dated a little. On the other hand, it is valuable for the reasons I've tried to outline. I recommend it highly.