Meet the Baron

Dir. Walter Lang

68 Minutes

USA

1933

Starring: Jack Pearl, Jimmy Durante, Zasu Pitts, Ted Healy, Edna May Oliver

**1/2/*****

Mostly tepid pre-code comedy that operates primarily as a vehicle for Jack Pearl to do his fairly popular Baron Munchausen character. After being mixed up for the Baron, he and friend Jimmy Durante milk the opportunity of being declared heroes (and all of the perks that come with it). Much of the pleasure will become from the general tolerance of Durante and Pearl and the narrative is completely secondary to the antics of whatever act if on the screen at that particular moment (including a very early appearance the Three Stooges). However, worth enduring for the remarkable (and racy!) "Clean as a Whistle" musical number midway, so sadly interrupted prematurely when the water runs out. Otherwise generally not a ton to see here.

April 27th, 2020