DVD Review: Glorifying The American Girl (1929)

Kino has released the UCLA restoration of this fascinating musical from the early sound era. The film is more significant due to its historical aspect moreso than its aesthetics. Mary Eaton, whom many of us remember from the Marx Brothers film "The Coconuts," released the same year, stars as a woman with musical talent who longs to be in the Ziegfeld Follies. She travels to New York when given an opportunity by a vaudeville performer, but soon discovers his interest in her is sexual, and it is a condition as to her getting anywhere in show business. She rejects him, but still finds her way into the follies due to her talent.

One of the reasons this film is of historical interest is that it captures, on film, a lot of vintage performers from the Follies. There are comedy acts, acrobats, musical numbers, and other such entertainments. Rudy Vallee (singing a smooth rendition of "Vagabond Lover"), Helen Morgan (at her pinnacle performing "What I Wouldn't Do For That Man"), and Eddie Cantor (the music holds up better than the comedy), are among the more notable Follies personalities.

For fans of early 20th century popular music, the song numbers are the highlight of the feature. Songs like Blue Skies, A Pretty Girl is LIke a Melody, Bye Bye Blackbird, and Side By Side were all fairly new when they appeared in this film.

The plot regarding Mary Eaton's aspiring to get into showbiz, and the vaudeville actor who tries to take advantage, would never be allowed a few years later. But in this 1929 film, Dan Healy is sufficiently creepy as the vaudevillian with an ulterior motive. His scene coming on to Mary is so well acted, it is unsettling to watch. However, his eccentric dances with her are delightful. Once he is spurned by Mary, he almost immediately moves on to another conquest. She is more receptive.

Mary ends up back with her original beau (Edward Crandall) and they find their way into showbiz. We get an interesting look into Mary's hard work rehearsing for the show, maintaining her passion and determination despite any challenges.

Mary Eaton only made around a half dozen movies, but was always a delightful presence. This is certainly her best work, even moreso than the very funny aforementioned Marx Brothers feature. Sadly, Mary was no longer in demand by the end of the 1930s and turned to alcohol. When she died at age 47 from severe cirrhosis of the liver, nobody was terribly surprised. She came from a showbiz family. Alcoholism also claimed a couple of her siblings (one of whom was murdered in 1958). Her sister Doris lived until the age of 106 and danced to the very end.

KINO's blu ray is a beautiful 2K Master derived from the UCLA 35mm restoration. There are a handful of interesting special features, including a commentary track by early musical film expert Richard Barrios (which is excellent and informative).

This release is most highly recommended. It can be purchased at this link: Glorifying