Moonlight and Pretzels
Moonlight and Pretzels is a 1933 American Pre-Code musical film, directed by Karl Freund, about a man who puts on a Broadway show. The film was released by Universal Studios and featured Mary Brian and William Frawley, now best-known as "Fred Mertz" on the 1950s TV show I Love Lucy; Freund was the groundbreaking cinematographer for I Love Lucy.
| Moonlight and Pretzels | |
|---|---|
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| Directed by | Karl Freund |
| Written by | Monte Brice Jay Gorney Sig Herzig Arthur L. Jarrett |
| Produced by | Stanley Bergerman Monte Brice William Rowland |
| Starring | Leo Carrillo Mary Brian Roger Pryor Herbert Rawlinson |
| Cinematography | William Miller |
| Edited by | Robert Snody |
| Distributed by | Universal Studios |
Release date | August 1, 1933 |
Running time | 83 minutes |
| Country | English |
| Language | United States |
Cast
- Leo Carrillo as Nick Pappacropolis (credited as Leo Carillo)
- Mary Brian as Sally Upton
- Roger Pryor as George Dwight
- Herbert Rawlinson as Sport Powell
- Lillian Miles as Elsie Warren
- Bobby Watson as Bertie
- William Frawley as Mac
- Jack Denny as himself (credited as Jack Denny and His Orchestra)
- Frank Britton as himself (credited as Frank and Milt Britton and Band)
- Milt Britton as himself (credited as Frank and Milt Britton and Band)
- Alexander Gray as singer
- Bernice Claire as singer
- The Eton Boys as themselves (the musical vocal ensemble)
- John Hundley as Man in Bed
- Doris Carson as Woman in Bed
Production
The film was not produced in Hollywood, but was filmed at the Astoria Studios in Astoria, Queens, New York City, primarily used by Paramount Pictures.[1] The dances were choreographed by Bobby Connolly.[2]
Critical reception
A contemporary review in Variety reported that the film "moves along at a sprightly pace and has sufficient pep to hold interest," noting the film's "several nice tunes," "some good dance routines," and "a good looking line of girls." The review also notes "[o]n the negative side of the ledger are a pretty dull and routine story, practically no laughs and no actual cast stars."[3] A modern review of the film by Danny Reid notes that although it "was obviously made on a tight budget [...] and its numbers never escape feeling stage bound," it contains "a few undeniable charms that make it an enjoyable experience."[4]
References
- "More Musicals". Brooklyn Eagle. June 11, 1933. p. 23. Retrieved June 6, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Cinema: The New Pictures". Time. August 21, 1933. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
- "Variety (August 1933)". Internet Archive. Internet Archive. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
- Reid, Danny. "Moonlight and Pretzels (1933)". pre-code.com. Danny Reid. Retrieved December 15, 2022.