Second Chorus (Passport)
Picture: C
Sound: C Extras: C Film: C
The Paramount Pictures of the past is lost for several
reasons. One is that so much time has
passed and the same studio space has evolved into what the studio is
today. Another is that the studio sold
its back catalog to MCA/Universal at the dawn of TV, leaving a then-smaller
rival with their history. The result
especially of the latter is that an entire school of thought on Classical Hollywood
just faded away. MCA just kept using
the films for TV and eventually home video, while the key titles became
separated from the production of what was the second biggest studio next to
MGM. Second Chorus is an example
of one of those films long forgotten.
It may not be very good, it is in fact very average, but the look and
feel of this Musical is an example of how rich the films coming out of the
studio really were.
This one stars Fred Astaire and Burgess Meredith as two
musicians trying to land permanent gigs in Artie Shaw’s band, even if it means
using the “influence” of a beautiful female friend (Paulette Godard) who is at
first uncertain of Shaw’s interest.
Despite some good dance numbers, the songs are not as memorable, though
seeing Meredith so sharply dressed and treated with top rate production values
himself is a plus. Sadly, director H.C.
Potter can do little more with the film, and the script does not help. At least there is some star power worth a
look, no matter how much the film drags out.
The 1.33 X 1 full frame image was originally shot in
“glorious” black and white, but this transfer does not always show that in the
best detail and is a few generations down.
Needless to say, Universal has never issued this on DVD and it is something
it made it out at all, somehow becoming public domain. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono also shows wear
and noise that the original film would not have. NBC/Universal likely has the original camera elements and ought
to go back and fix them up for the oncoming High Definition needs they will have. The only extra is a few trailers from six
other Astaire films, some of which are partly letterboxed. Completists may be interested in this disc,
but others should look elsewhere for better examples of the early Musical at
its best.
- Nicholas Sheffo
