This is Hollywood - We change everything! We've got teo!
No 178 - Hellzapoppin ' Director - H.C Potter The Universal Studios introduction revolves and we fade to a chorus line singing elegantly as they move down the stairs. The stairs end, turning into a slide, the chorus line go tumbling and the set explodes. Then everything explodes. Repeatedly. This film is pure bonkers anarchy. After those few minutes I was left in a position where I had no idea what to expect. But, I think that that is the best way to watch such a film. Hellzapoppin ' began life as a vaudeville stage show in the 1930s. It was constantly updated to remain topical and was meant to be a sort of anarchic sketch show combining songs, skits and audience participation. It was not something that would translate well in a film structure... and yet, fair play to Olsen and Johnsen for attempting. The film may have a more standard 'story' structure than your average revue but it is still a hotch potch ensemble of strange sketches and throwaway jokes. The film is...