HONOLULU

Honolulu
MGM, 1939, B/W, 82 minutes, ***
Released February, 1939

Movie star Brooks Mason (Robert Young) changes places with Hawaiian pineapple baron, George Smith (Robert Young), in order to escape his fans for a much-needed rest. But confusion rules the day when Mason "returns" to Hawaii in place of Smith, and all kinds of crazy antics take place. A fun film featuring Gracie Allen at her zany best, along with Eleanor Powell, Rochester and George Burns.

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Edward Buzzell
Original Story and Screen Play by: Herbert Fields and Frank Partos
Musical Program: "Honolulu," "This Night Will Be My Souvenir," "The Leader Doesn't Like Music" Music by Harry Warren, Lyric by Gus Kahn; "Hawaiian Medley" Played by Andy Iona's Islanders; "The Leader Doesn't Like Music" sung by The King's Men; Music Direction: Georgie Stoll
Incidental Music: Franz Waxman
Dance Direction: Bobby Connolly, Sammy Lee
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Joseph Wright
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Gowns by: Adrian
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Ray June
Film Editor: Conrad A. Nervig

Cast: Eleanor Powell [Dorothy March], Robert Young [Brooks Mason / George Smith], George Burns [Joe Duffy], Gracie Allen [Millie de Grasse], Rita Johnson [Cecelia Grayson], Clarence Kolb [Mr. Horace Grayson], Jo Ann Sayers [Nurse], Ann Morriss [Gale Brewster], Willie Fung [Wong], Cliff Clark [1st Detective], Edward Gargan [2nd Detective], Eddie Anderson [Washington], Sig Rumann [Psychiatrist], Ruth Hussey [Eve], Kealoha Holt [Native Dancing Girl], Edgar Dearing [Jailer]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:19] Honolulu (sung by Gracie Allen, then sung by Chorus as Gracie and Eleanor Powell dance, then danced with jump ropes by Eleanor Powell); [0:32] This Night Will Be My Souvenir (sung by Bing Crosby impressionist [probably one of the King's Men]); [0:37] Old Folks at Home / Darktown Strutters Ball (danced by Eleanor Powell impersonating Bill Robinson); [0:34] The Leader Doesn't Like Music (sung by Gracie Allen and the King's Men - two disguised as Groucho Marx and two disguised as Harpo Marx); [0:50] Hola E Pae (sung and played by Andy Ilona's Islanders, short dance by Eleanor Powell); [1:06] Hawiian Medley (sung and played by Andy Iona's Islanders, danced by Eleanor Powell and Chorus Girls - three separate dances: a native drum dance, a Hula and her version of a native dance done with tap)