Lillian Russell (1940)

Lillian Russell
Directed by Irving Cummings
Written by William Anthony McGuire
1940/USA
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
First viewing/Fox Marquis Musicals DVD

[box] We all have a fear of the unknown. What one does with that fear will make all the difference in the world. — Lillian Russell [/box]

This is one of those biopics where the subject is perfect in every way.  A great performance or a better script might have saved it.

The story follows the life of Lillian Russell (Faye) starting with her childhood as Helen Leonard with a suffragette mother and kindly grandmother (Helen Westley)..  Before she makes the big time, reporter Alexander Moore (Henry Fonda) rescues Helen and grandma from a runaway horse.  They later make a pledge to treat the other one to dinner depending on who gets a job first.  But Alex is too shy to approach the now-Lillian when she becomes a star.  Lillian is idolized by all who know her including Diamond Jim Brady (Edward Arnold), who showers her with jewels,  and “The Famous J.L.” (Warren William). She marries humble composer Edward Solomon (Don Ameche), however.  With Una O’Connor as Lillian’s maid.

I’m not that fond of Alice Faye, unfortunately, and she is just about the whole show.  Those who enjoy her more might love this movie.  The supporting cast is certainly wonderful and there are a lot of old standards sung b y Faye.

Lillian Russell was nominated for an Academy Award for its Black-and-White Art Direction.

Alice Faye sings “Come Down Ma Evenin’ Star”