Cairo

Poor scripting, no chemistry between McDonald and Young, and no musical numbers that are hit worthy... all of that equals a dud. You will be bored beyond comprehension with this behemoth of a film. Who was fulfilling what contract for which studio that this turkey had to be made?

source: Cairo

Moviecut—Cairo

Cairo

It is pretty obvious that they were thinking of "Casablanca" by using the name of another north African city as a title for this screwball farce of a spy melodrama involving Nazis. Certainly the plot is ridiculous and totally unbelievable as far as realism is concerned. But so is "Bringing up Baby" that is the definition of screwball. The gags are funny and a delight to watch and listen to,and the cast is first rate in every way. The musical numbers are very good and in general this is entertaining,as movies are supposed to be.

I enjoyed the story line and comic sequences in this spy-movie spoof. But, I was a bit wary knowing that Jeanette MacDonald was in the cast. I hoped that, for a change, she would give her voice a rest and just play the comedy. I was sure wrong. There are too many musical numbers in this film and, for me, they detracted from my enjoyment of the movie. I guess there was no way that the producers of any movie with Ms. MacDonald in the cast would not utilize her voice. My fault, I should have known better. Oh, I almost forgot. Ethel Waters (she of the very big mouth) was also in the cast and, of course, sang a couple of songs. If all of this sounds as if I don't like Musicals, you're absolutely correct. We all have our own individual tastes.

Poor scripting, no chemistry between McDonald and Young, and no musical numbers that are hit worthy... all of that equals a dud. You will be bored beyond comprehension with this behemoth of a film. Who was fulfilling what contract for which studio that this turkey had to be made?

This would be OK as a wartime musical, praying that ships get back to the harbours of Home. But Robert Young's character in infuriating. The gags, the pratfalls aren't funny, or they require the mindset of the Three Stooges. This is supposed to be an investigative reporter? Classy Jeanette MacDonald is supposed to fall for this goofball? But what saves the movie, as other have noted, is Ethel Waters. Sure, she's dressed as a maid until she gets to do a stage number. And Dooley Wilson, who watches that number, is dressed as an "A-rab." And of course there's nobody else they can pair up with. But they steal the show, and inspire even MacDonald to move her hips for a moment. Not Robert Young's character, still out of it.

In one of her last movies, Miss MacDonald shows a real gift for light comedy - along with her well known vocal talents. And for the guy who said there were too many songs...WAKE UP!!!...it's a musical! LOL That's like saying there are too many explosions in an action flick or jokes in a comedy.

If you are a Jeanette MacDonald fan this is a "MUST SEE" film. No, it's not her very best film, but it's different enough for her that it's really great watching!! Read the other comments - except for the fellow that doesn't like Musicals (poor fellow), they're pretty much right on track. While Robert Young gets a bit "hammy" in a couple scenes, overall it's a very delightful musical/spy spoof/drama/etc. A good balance of songs and drama, which was important for morale during the early years of WWII. Hint for Jeanette MacDonald fans: You _MUST_ see Ethyl Waters and Jeanette's rendition of "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" about half way through the film. You've NEVER seen Jeanete like this - very cute, very well done!!