The Half-Naked Truth

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source: The Half-Naked Truth

Jimmy Bates (Lee Tracy) is the fast-talking barker in a struggling carnival. His latest scheme is a supposed reveal of dancing girl Teresita's newly discovered father from the local community. The scandal ensures attention but both Jimmy and Teresita get run out of town. In New York City, Jimmy works to make Teresita a star with lies and more lies. This is a pre-Code comedy. It's one of those comedies where word speed equals humor. It gets a bit chaotic and I do get lost a bit. In the end, the energy is undeniable. There is comedy to be had but one may require more than one viewing.

I would definitely rate the Broadway debut scene, so masterfully enacted by Frank Morgan (of all people!) and Lupe Velez – and also briefly featuring Max Steiner in the second of his only two on-camera appearances – as one of filmdom's Top One Hundred movie scenes. The rest of the movie – filmed at a frenetic pace by Gregory La Cava – is also top-notch viewing with Lee Tracy in fine form as Lupe's Clayton's friend (the friend you have when you're not having a friend). Production values are admirably extensive and once super-popular but now sadly under-rated director, Gregory La Cava, can be seen at the absolute zenith of his form. How can a director, once so super-popular with both critics and moviegoers in his day, be now so undeservedly forgotten? Available on an excellent Warner Archive DVD.

Frank Morgan (The Wizard !), Frank Pangborn (all those W.C. Fields movies), and big, bellowing Gene Pallette in one film. It'll take all of them and more to stand up to Teresita (Lupe Velez)! The carnival gets busted by the sheriff, and they all am-scray before the sheriff can haul them away. When they move into a high class joint, Pangborn is the hotel manager. Teresita puts on a show for the Follies producer (Frank Morgan), and suddenly she's back on top again. Kind of a strange turn, where the mexican girl goes on the stage as a turkish princess, then they concoct a story where suddenly she's a jazz dancer, and the audience doesn't mind being tricked. Lee Tracy is "Jimmy", Teresita's manager, who builds her up, but then he gets the boot! Will he get his revenge? It's a fun show biz adventure. The plot is just absurd, but it moves pretty quickly. Directed by Greg LaCava, who had directed some biggies... Stage Door, My Man Godfrey. Died young at 59 of a heart attack.

Fast moving and very funny comedy loosely based on famous press agent Harry Reichenbach. A film to watch whenever your spirits need uplifting. Lee Tracy is always fun and is one of those rare performers who can lift any material out of the mundane. Here he has material and supporting cast worthy of his talents. A delightfull period piece which shows very little if any tendency to date. See it if you can and enjoy!