Jamboree (1944)
A trio of competing bands vie for a spot on a rural radio program.
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Reviews
Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.
It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
It's a bit of the battle of the sexes in this Republic B war musical where a country and western band must go a little bit more rural to gain a radio contract, and that means actually working on a farm. Band leader George Bryon goes up against farm manager Ruth Terry, leafing to some chauvinistic behavior and one up- womanship from Terry and he'd crew. It's the silliest of plots, but the music is great, combining Nashville, bluegrass and hit parade, combining romantic, comic and Americana as the taming of the band comes to fruition through some womenly wiles and masculine charm. Don Wilson plays himself (with Paul Harvey as his partner) and a great comical supporting cast. There's even a scary dream sequence where a weather machine destroys New York City. Most of the music holds up pretty nicely today, and the corny comic bits might provide a smile if not full out snickers.