The Goldwyn Follies (1938)

A white elephant in its time, The Goldwyn Follies has improved with age -- but only marginally. Follies is one of those peculiar Hollywood oddities, a film that wants to be a revue but insists on including a wispy storyline to hook the acts together. As in most such cases, the storyline is ridiculous and only serves to bring down the stronger aspects of the film. Unfortunately for Follies, those stronger aspects are not by themselves strong enough to save the whole film. True, there are two gorgeous {George and Ira Gershwin classic songs, namely "Loved Walked In" and "Love is Here to Stay," both of which possess truly gorgeous melodies wed to some evocative lyrics. And a couple of other songs are also strong, if not in the same league as those two. There's also the "Water Nymph" ballet, featuring a luminous Vera Zorina, as well as some nifty comedy from Edgar Bergen and puppet pal Charlie McCarthy. But there are also some insufferable antics from the Ritz Brothers, some unnecessary opera segments and lots of wooden acting from Kenny Baker, among others. Throw in that silly plot and the result is a piece that has its high spots, but not enough to make up for its lesser moments. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide