Up in the Air (1940)

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

This comedy-mystery has a goodly amount of energy. Mantan Moreland offers his befuddled comedy, Marjorie Reynolds sings two songs surprisingly well (for those of us who remember her more for suffering the revolting developments on THE LIFE OF RILEY) and everyone on hand does a good job, given the constrained budgets that Monogram Studios offered for their B movies.Given that it's Frankie Darro in the lead, though, the movie doesn't turn out well. He's an annoying smart aleck who drags Mr. Moreland into all sorts of unwanted danger and inveigles him into a comedy act in which they engage in cross-talk -- with Mr. Darro in blackface for a radio performance. In 1940 this made an acceptable second feature. Today, its time has passed long ago.

On location in Hollywood, "Amalgamated Broadcasting Company" (ABC Radio) page Frankie Darro (as Frankie Ryan) is attracted to the station's attractive new receptionist, aspiring songstress Marjorie Reynolds (as Anne Mason). Ms. Reynolds sings "By the Looks of Things" very sweetly. With help from cowardly janitor pal Mantan Moreland (as Jeff Jefferson), Mr. Darro decides to help Reynolds become a radio singing star. Then, the station's snotty songstress Lorna Gray (as Rita Wilson) is murdered... First suspected is cowboy singer Gordon Jones (as Tex Barton), who was then notable as the star of "The Green Hornet" serial. Just when you think you've heard them all, "Tex" calls Mr. Moreland "banjo eyes" (an apt description). Also, watch for Darro to appear in "black-face" for a routine with Moreland (which must have looked swell on the radio). The bit is handled inoffensively, by the way. Howard Bretherton and the troupe manage the vehicle fairly, with Darro and Moreland contributing their usual.**** Up in the Air (9/9/40) Howard Bretherton ~ Frankie Darro, Mantan Moreland, Marjorie Reynolds, Gordon Jones

The diminutive Frankie Darro made eight films with Manlan Moreland--making their pairing one of the most unusual in screen history. Unfortunately, however, most of their films were pretty ordinary or sub-par B-movies with little to recommend them today. But, unlike the rest, this film is actually pretty enjoyable and holds up pretty well.When I watched "Up in the Air", I felt I'd seen it before--and I had. This film was remade only five years later as "There Goes Kelly". In addition, variations on this plot were made by Abbott & Costello and others--including Claude Rains. So, for old movie buffs, it's likely that you'll have seen something like it as well.The film begins like all Darro/Moreland films--Darro is a very eager and rather hyper young man who has dreams of being so much more. Although employed as a page at a radio network, he has dreams of being an executive or even a detective. So, when an obnoxious diva is killing there, Darro immediately springs into action to try to solve the crime. And, being a B-movie, he actually DOES! It's all enjoyable and works out well except for one problem. About midway through the film, Darro and Moreland recreate a skit made famous in vaudeville by Ben Carter and Moreland. And, since Carter and Moreland were black men, Darro dons black-face and does a routine that is highly reminiscent of Moran and Mack or the original Amos 'n Andy! Seeing this white guy in black makeup is just cringe-worthy and sad.

Frankie Darro did pretty well for a child actor. Starting off in the silents, he appeared in "The Public Enemy" (1931) and was the star of William Wellman's heart wrenching tale of the depression "The Wild Boys of the Road" (1933). By the mid 30s he had his own series at Conn Pictures Corp and by the late 30s he was teamed with Mantan Moreland for a Monogram series of comedy mysteries with plenty of music and up and coming female talent. He was once co-starred with Gale Storm in "Let's Go Collegiate" (1941) but usually it was with the very pretty Marjorie Reynolds.Frankie (Frankie Darro) is a page at the local radio station. He has an eye for the ladies and he spies pretty receptionist Ann (Marjorie Reynolds) who yearns to be a singer. He "arranges" an audition and finds she really has a voice - she sings "By the Look of Things" and really swings it. By the song's end she realises that Frankie is not a big wig but a lowly page. Meanwhile the station's top singer Rita (Lorna Grey) throws one tantrum too many and the station is on the look out for a new talent. Not before Rita begins a sultry rendition of "Doin' the Conga" - suddenly the lights go out, a shot rings out and when the lights go on - Rita is found dead!!!Mantan Moreland is always great and here he is Jeff, Frankie's amiable sidekick. He does a soft shoe shuffle to "By the Look of Things" only to be told that it won't go down on radio!!! The suspects mount - a suspicious cowboy, Tex (Gordon Jones), drops into the broadcast - Rita seems scared of him - he disappears in all the commotion. Frankie has overheard Farrell (Tristram Coffin) having words with Rita before the broadcast - he says he will help Ann with her career if Frankie doesn't mention the fight to the police. Frankie (in blackface) and Jeff audition for the comedy spot on the radio, when they decide to show Hastings (Dick Elliot) the manager, they find Tex Barton dead!!!Ann gets another chance and really puts over "Somehow or Other" - "mmmm not bad" - a radio technician sums her up. Frankie thinks he has solved the mystery. He thinks Gladys Wharton, a girl that Tex was previously involved with, is really Ann, because he found Ann's picture in Tex's belongings. It is pretty plain that Rita is really Gladys. Rita and Tex had a singing act at a Cheyenne radio station but left due to a shooting scandal. Frankie finds this all out by sending a wire - he is just about to find out the executive's name in the scandal when the line goes dead.Who did it???? I didn't guess and I thought it was one of Darro's and Moreland's better pairings - even though Frankie didn't do any stunts!!! Darro and Moreland had an easy rapport and a great friendship that really comes through the film. The film ends with Marjoie Reynolds singing "Doin' The Conga" and really giving it her all.Recommended.