~ Paramount On Parade ~
PARAMOUNT ON PARADE:
While I will takes nobody's dust as a leading Clara Bow fanatic, and I've long had a love of Chevalier as well, I won't hesitate in saying that Nancy's turn in this picture is not only its highlight, but one of the most memorable numbers in all early musicals. Being a fan of Abe Lyman's band certainly helps, but Nancy's presence and dancing are, to me, absolutely exhilerating. Here is Nancy in her full high-flapper form, and her energy and good spirits are enough to wake a mummy. A couple of years ago, I had a
chance to see the UCLA restored version of this picture at the Pacific Film Archive, and it was wonderful to see the effect this segment had on a live audience. Most had no idea who this smiling creature was that came prancing out from behind that big shoe, but when she was done, the audience was one big Nancy Carroll fan, clapping, cheering and whistling. (Ha! I could have told 'em!) In addition, like most revues of the period, P.O.P. suffers from some mercilessly tedious stretches, and Nancy provides it with a shot of adrenaline it badly needs !Tom Bertino