If I'm Lucky (1946)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

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

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

'If I'm Lucky' is a decent and pleasant musical, and passes the time more than adequately. However, it also could have been better considering the talent.The weak link is the story, which is tepid fairly often with some of the goings on verging on the tedious. The script is charming and amusing enough, but needed a sharper edge and more bite, feeling a little blander than it should have been considering it's meant to be satirical.Perry Como is handsome and sings exquisitely but is not a natural actor and it shows in a performance that other than the singing is pretty wooden. While 'If I'm Lucky' is a very good-looking film (more than that actually) there were a couple of scenes crying out for Technicolor, especially the still hugely entertaining "Botocuda".However the black and white production values are a marvel, being remarkably crisp and opulent. The songs are not timeless and they don't stick in the head unforgettably, but they still are very pleasant and lovely to listen to with a good deal of energy, "Botocuda" and the title song standing out in particular.Much of the direction is very much competent and the pacing, though with the odd tedium in between, tends to be bright and breezy. Como aside, the cast don't disappoint. Carmen Miranda steals the film with her colourfully wild costumes and her hilariously nutty presence from her butchered English to her deliciously exaggerated facial expressions. Vivian Blaine is charmingly polished and passionately energetic, while Harry James (playing an integral part to the story) is in his prime. Phil Silvers did have material that played to his strengths a little more in 'Something for the Boys' but actually a more subdued performance from him here and in comparison to a lot of his other films was appreciated and worked well (will also be a delight for non-fans).On the whole, a pleasant way to pass the time but could have been much better. 6/10 Bethany Cox

With a cast of Perry Como, Carmen Miranda, Edgar Buchanan, Harry James and Vivian Blaine along with Phil Silvers, what could go possibly wrong?Imagine the premise that crooner Como runs for governor? That's what we have here in this highly entertaining films. Carmen Miranda belts out her songs in her usual Brazilian style. Silvers, as the leader of the troupe, is conniving and lovable as usual. Vivian Blaine, as Como's love interest looks old here but is entertaining nonetheless.Even back then, we see the corruption of politics and greedy government officials taking full advantage of a corrupt system.

Probably the most demands on Perry Como as an actor in his brief sojourn in Hollywood was this watered down remake of Dick Powell's classic Thanks A Million. Sad to say that has not been made available and it is a pity. Thanks A Million was a sharp and witty satire on the American political system how a crooner gets himself good and used by a corrupt political machine when they dump their candidate and nominate him for governor. The same material is used, but without the bite. Instead of the radio crooners of the Thirties the music is now the swing music of the Forties supplied by Harry James. He's got a pair of attractions with his band played by Vivian Blaine and Carmen Miranda and a press agent played by Phil Silvers. He hires Perry Como as a male singer and the group accepts a touring gig with a political candidate who has a drinking problem and is played by Edgar Buchanan. One night when he's in his cups, Como goes on and wows the crowd. At that point the political bosses switch to use him as their stooge.The musical score is nothing to write home about. Perhaps if Perry had a big hit from this he might have stayed a little longer in Hollywood. Not much more though. That relaxed attitude that made him welcome in so many homes in the 50s was not hiding any great acting talent like his contemporary graduate from the big bands Frank Sinatra.Even Carmen Miranda was somewhat subdued in If I'm Lucky.Hope that some day you get to see Thanks A Million so you can compare.

Another film found on the Carmen Miranda DVD Collection, this revolves a group of musicians (including Phil Silvers, Vivian Blaine, Harry James, and Carmen) who need a job...and some food. They see a sign for free food, come one ,come all, at a political rally. When other people start eating and leaving, they start playing to keep the crowd and then they're hired by the politicians for just that purpose.Enter Perry Como who has aspirations of making it big as a crooner and who's plugging a song he wrote, If I'm Lucky, which is a very beautiful song. Of course he and Vivian hit it off. Then Perry gets put into a position to run for governor himself.As musical comedies go, this is very good, despite the political plot, which may turn off some people. But, it makes it even more fulfilling in the long run. (This was a remake of a previous Dick Powell movie, Thanks a Million.) The musical numbers are very upbeat and memorable, especially Perry's daydream sequence.As a Miranda movie goes though, you'll be disappointed with her one song and her not being the center of attention. Her song, while good, doesn't quite measure to others being more opulent and fantastic-looking. On the other hand, Perry Como has a very affable disposition and makes the viewer enjoy this simple film for what it is, a musical that can and will leave you smiling.