Reaching for the Moon (1931)

In his later years, songwriter Irving Berlin became incensed when anyone mentioned the name of this rather standard-issue comedy. Originally conceived as a Berlin musical extravaganza, it changed drastically after Douglas Fairbanks signed on as leading man and the public began showing a marked disinterest in musical films. In the end, only one song remained ("When the Folks High-Up Do the Mean Low-Down," hardly one of Berlin's brighter efforts), which benefits greatly from the vocals of Bebe Daniels, brassy June MacCloy and a young Bing Crosby. The story is inconsequential, which would be alright if the dialogue contained wit and effervescence; sadly, it fizzles when it needs to sizzle. The cast, however, is good, with Fairbanks in fine trim, using his considerable star presence to good effect, and he has very good chemistry with Daniels (who looks smashing). MacCloy is also fine, if undistinguishable from any number of others who could have played her role, and Edward Everett Horton is his usual dependable self. The sets and costumes are opulent and eye-filling, and the money that went into the film certainly shows up onscreen. Edmund Goulding's direction is so-so; if he can't reconcile the film's different tones and styles, it's also true that no director probably could. Reaching for the Moon is a bit of a mess, but those in the mood for an old fashioned, silly romantic comedy/farce will find it moderately enjoyable. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide