Frolics on Ice

Frolics on Ice, released in 1939, is a captivating and unique comedy combined with heartwarming family drama and sprinkles of musical and ice-dance spectacle. Exceptionally directed by Herman Shumlin and Erle C. Kenton, the film showcases a charm reminiscent of its era with its engrossing storytelling and delightful performances.

The film centers around two essential characters - little Irene Dare, a precocious child skating sensation, and her destitute inventor father portrayed by Roscoe Karns. The story, penned by Frances Hyland and Julian Harmon transitions swiftly from a simple narrative to a rollercoaster filled with humorous dialogues, poignant moments, and captivating ice-skating sequences.

Irene Dare, plays a character appropriately named Irene, who is a prodigiously talented ice skater for her age. She's deeply attached to her father 'Scoop' Daley played by Karns, a down-on-his-luck inventor continuously struggling to strike it rich. Their heartfelt relationship is depicted beautifully throughout the film, ensuring the viewer remains invested in their journey.

In an attempt to help her father out of his financial predicament, Irene joins hands with the smooth-talking Jimmy, played effortlessly by the legendary comic Edgar Kennedy. The duo plan a publicity stunt involving Irene's ice-skating talent to draw the attention of potential investors for her father’s invention.

The screenplay follows their ups and downs as they devise and enact this plan. Hyland and Harmon ingeniously intertwine the frolicking escapades with the financial crisis of the family, ensuring a thoroughly entertaining plot line that is light hearted while being substantial enough to keep your attention.

Whilst the comedy and the drama consume a major portion of the film, the high points remain the spectacularly designed and executed ice-skating sequences. Irene Dare, already a well-known child skating prodigy by the time of the movie's release, beautifully demonstrates her skills, bringing a unique and melodious rhythm to the film. What's more, these sequences are brilliantly embellished with mesmerizing musical backgrounds that are harmoniously woven into the narrative, contributing to a delightful audio-visual spectacle.

Edgar Kennedy, with his comedic flair, shines in his role as Jimmy, effortlessly creating an endearing character that the audience roots for. Roscoe Karns as 'Scoop' Daley gives an earnest performance, capturing seamlessly the complexities of a father torn between his macro-ambitions, and the micro-reality of his current dire situation.

The film’s setting and production design signify the time frame of the story, offering an enchanting glimpse into the late 1930's. The costumes, particularly for the skating sequences, are equally impressive and symbolic of the period, adding to the movie’s overall aesthetic charm.

Photography, under the masterful eye of cinematographer Art Reed, captures the spectacular ice routines, the vibrant landscapes, as well as the nuanced expressions of the film's characters. This, combined with the commendable editing works of Philip Cahn, ensures a seamless viewing experience that encourages the natural flow of the narrative while enhancing the visual spectacle.

Appealing to a wide variety of movie-goers, Frolics on Ice gracefully balances drama, comedy, music and a whole lot of ice-skating. It's a cinematic journey that takes its audience on a ride of emotions, from light humor and fun-filled antics to palpable financial crisis, showcasing striking performances, especially from its young star Irene Dare and the comedic genius of Edgar Kennedy.

Despite being a film from over eight decades ago, Frolics on Ice leaves a strong impression not just for its unique narrative blend but also for its high-flying acrobatic ice-dance sequences and smashingly good music. All in all, it remains a worthwhile watch for aficionados of classic comedy, drama, and musicals, and a must-see for those keen on experiencing the charm and uniqueness of Golden Age Hollywood cinema.