Review by All Movie Guide
All Movie Guide
is neutral about it.
A "B" musical that is worth watching for its talented cast, Meet the People will strike many modern audiences as being a bit "hokey," especially in the way it hits people over the head with its preachy message about the "common man." It's a worthy sentiment, but
People hammers the point home a bit too obviously. Take away the point, however, and what's left is a very standard-issue boy/girl misunderstanding set among a typical backstage setting. So forget about the plot and sit back and enjoy the personalities on parade. First and foremost, of course, is
Lucille Ball, at this point in her career a true beauty who knew her way around a comic line but who had not yet been consigned solely to comedic roles. She looks stunning, and it's fun to see her playing a part that is not so much like all the characters she played during her tremendously successful television career.
Dick Powell is also on hand to wrap his sturdy light tenor around a few songs and to balance Ball in the boy/girl equation. Throw in the deadpan
Virginia O'Brien, the anything-but-deadpan
Bert Lahr and a young and appealing
June Allyson, along with the antics of
Spike Jones, and the result is a mindless but enjoyable little tuner. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide