We're Not Dressing

"We're Not Dressing", has a quite famous pedigree having been loosely based on the novel "The Admirable Chrichton", by James M. Barrie. It had already served as the source material for the legendary Gloria Swanson in one of her most famous roles in Cecil B. DeMille's production of "Male and Female" in 1919. This version while obviously accomodating the musical talents of Bing Crosby takes a far more lighthearted approach in telling the story of society heiress Doris Worthington who along with her friends and a deck hand from her yacht becomes marooned on a tropical island when her yacht sinks after hitting a reef. The film interestingly explores the whole issue of the "roles" society imposes on people and how the "order" of things can be reversed when circumstances change . In this case while on the ship the roles were very much master and servant, once on the island they are reversed as sailor Stephen Jones (Bing Crosby) possesses all the common sense and practical knowledge to survive in the wilderness while Doris and her spoiled society friends are ill equipped to look after themsleves minus the comforts of life and servants. While on board Doris is pursued by two hangers on in the vapid Prince's Alexander and Michael (Jay Henry and a very young Ray, billed as "Raymond" Milland) however her real affections are diverted to the singing sailor on board who in between scrubbing decks must do thankless tasks such as caring for Doris's pet bear Droopy. Conflict arises between Doris and Stephen once they manage to get to the island as she is the one used to giving orders and now she finds herself having to follow Stephen's orders if she wants to survive while stranded. There are many lighthearted moments while they wait for rescue which include the hopeless efforts of Doris and her friends to build a hut which collapses while Stephen's effort holds up to the elements and when the group encounter eccentric husband and wife Botany team George and Gracie (George Burns and Gracie Allen essentially playing themselves to hilarious effect). Of particular note are Gracie's bizzare "animal trap" inventions that get George in particular into all kinds bother and trouble. Despite their personal conflicts with each other which involve a number of slapping scenes followed by a kiss, true love does blossom for Doris and Stephen and when the group are finally rescued the two cast aside their preconceived ideas of the different levels of society not mixing and decide to let romance rule between them on the boat back to civilisation.

First and foremost above being any deep commentary of the values of different levels of society, "We're Not Dressing" is a musical treat for one and all. Bing Crisby is given a number of memorable tunes to croon throughout the film and prominent among them are "A Sailor Must Be True To Any Girl", "May I?", "She Reminds Me Of You" and especially the beautiful "Once In A Blue Moon". Ethel Merman also has an oportunity to shine in the highly energic "It's A Spanish Custom" which is a real showcase for her big voiced singing style. Directed with a nice pace by veteran Norman Taurog who was responsible for helming such diverse films as the classic "Boy's Town" (1938) through to a number of 1960's Elvis Presley vehicles, here he manages to smoothly incorporate the comedy elements of the story in between the many musical numbers with ease. It is fascinating to see two such different talents as Bing Crosby and Carole Lombard combining together in their only screen appearance with each other here. Carole Lombard famous for her screwball comedy antics here is wonderful as the spoilt rich girl who learns a few lessons about life and while the young Bing Crosby would never register as matinee idol material, here he manages to add alot of dimension to his at first subserviant character that learns to assert himself and take charge of those who's orders he once had to follow. Being a big budget Paramount production this film has "A" class production values and the numerous location shots done at Catalina island which stands in for the Pacific Island in the story are first rate and give alot of the film less of a studio bound look.

"We're Not Dressing", is an interesting and entertaining early 1930's musical vehicle which helped pave the way for many much more grander "South Seas" efforts in later years. Bing Crosby in only his fourth or fifth film here displays the obvious talents that endeared him to audiences ever after and while her truly great years were still ahead of her when she made "We're Not Dressing", Carole Lombard reveals here the stuff that help make her a top rate Hollywood legend . Enjoy Crosby and Lombard and other colourful characters stranded on an island and having to reassess their "stations in life" in Paramount's amusing 1934 effort "We're Not Dressing".

Early Crosby croons several catchy tunes in this semi-musical at sea comedy / love story.

Summary - Crosby a crooner deck hand on a millionairesses (Lombard) yacht. Lombard (beautiful & funny) falls for Crosby but acts as the totally spoiled rich girl. As all 1930's musical comedies we have a great supporting cast to include; comedians - Leon Errol, George Burns & Gracie Allen, a very young singing Ethel Merman. A young Ray Milland trys to swoon Lombard. This funny crew ship wrecks on an island & Crosby becomes the "IN-Charge" go to guy. This is some funny stuff with catchy tunes to beat.

An original trailer is included. Enjoy this 1935 Hollywood Film with Crosby & Lombard.

Basic plot: Carole is a spoiled rich girl with her posse on an ocean liner. Bing is a lowly cabin boy who runs into trouble with her (love that "smacking" scene). When the boat is shipwrecked they land on an island where Burns & Allen are horticulturists(!) and love blooms!

That's all I'll tell you!Give it a try, you're sure to enjoy.

• Genres > Comedy
• Genres > Musicals & Performing Arts
• Genres > Musicals & Performing Arts > Musicals
• Genres > Classics

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