Search - Richard Whiting :: Hollywood Hotel (1937 Film)

Brilliant surreal feel of the film shines through!

K. Brown | Walnut, Ca USA | 10/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoyed the film "Hollywood Hotel," I urge you to buy this soundtrack! Introductions to such pieces as "Let That Be a Lesson To You" and "Sing, Sing, Sing" are included with the songs just as they were in the film. This really holds that Busby Berkeley aura in the soundtrack alone! So "out there" you could almost picture Johnny Legend and Dr. Jerry Graham popping out of nowhere to sing a duet!"

It's enough to make me grab a saxophone and head on out to H

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 08/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The CD soundtrack from the movie Hollywood Hotel may not have the very longest running time of all the CDs you'll ever buy, but wow, what great music you get! This is perfect for fans of classic Hollywood musicals; Dick Powell, Rosemary Lane and all the rest shine bright--they never miss a beat! We also get treated to the sounds of Benny Goodman & His Orchestra; and that's grand. The quality of the sound on this CD is pretty good considering the age of these recordings; and the artwork is very well done.



The opening number is a wonderful medley that includes "Sing, You Son of a Gun;" "Let That Be a Lesson to You" and "Silhouetted in the Moonlight." This is beautiful music and when Frances Langford sings her lyrics she outdoes even herself. The surface noise is a shame; they should have remastered this track--it sounds like they simply recorded it straight from a scratchy old 78! On the other hand, however, Frances and the others do perform this with panache; I love the sweet music and that's a big plus. Then there's the incredibly famous "Hooray for Hollywood;" they do this with all their hearts and souls. Benny Goodman & His Orchestra turn out the best music to accompany the vocalists as they sing, harmonize and even speak a few lines to embellish this song and make it memorable for all time.



Dick Powell and Rosemary Lane give us a stunning tune, "I'm Like a Fish out of Water." Some have said that Dick Powell was playing silly roles without any meat to them; but when I hear him sing like this I'm convinced he was a huge star even then. Dick's excellent diction makes his performance even better, too. I love it! "Let That Be a Lesson to You" has Rosemary Lane, Dick Powell and a number of other artists performing at their very best; these champs don't miss a beat and I'm very impressed.



Benny Goodman & His Orchestra deliver a very special medley of music that blends big hits "Sing, Sing, Sing" and "I've Got a Heartful of Music." They never play a superfluous note and even if you haven't seen this movie you can tell they were playing with a great deal of positive energy. Dick Powell's "I've Hitched My Wagon to a Star" charms me with its natural beauty; the lush musical arrangement gives him the perfect accompaniment to his vocals.



There's yet another splendid medley of songs including "I've Got a Heartful of Music;" "House Hop" and "Silhouetted in the Moonlight;" they sure do this up right! The CD ends with the great Dick Powel performing a reprise of "Sing You Son of a Gun" and the closing reprise of "Hooray for Hollywood" works well on this CD.



Hollywood Hotel has some mighty fine, ageless music to go with the story line and the acting; and just one listen to this CD proves it! I heartily recommend this CD for people who have seen Hollywood Hotel and enjoyed it; and people who like classic tunes from the golden age of Hollywood musicals will not be disappointed."