Whoopee!

The 1930 American pre-Code musical-comedy movie, Whoopee!, is a technicolor film that was directed by Thornton Freeland and produced by Florenz Ziegfeld and Samuel Goldwyn. Their collaboration marked a unique point in time and resulted in high-spirited entertainment. Starring Eddie Cantor, Ethel Shutta, and Paul Gregory, the movie was adapted from the Broadway musical of the same name.

In Whoopee!, Eddie Cantor stars as Henry Williams, an effusive hypochondriac who has a kind heart but is rather accident-prone. This role provides ample opportunity for Cantor to do what he did best during his illustrious career, bring humor and warmth to a quirky and endearing character.

Henry resides in a small New Mexico town, working as a farmhand on a prosperous ranch. Not only does he juggle his debilitating obsession with imaginary illnesses, but he is also burdened with sorting out a love triangle gone wrong, involving the ranch's beautiful daughter, Sally Morgan, who is the film's female lead, played by Ethel Shutta.

Meanwhile, the movie introduces Paul Gregory in the role of cowboy Wanenis. The budding young actor exudes charm, complementing the flamboyant performance of Cantor with his own low-key and warm approach. The emotional complexities of the intertwined romantic relationships add a compelling layer to the bubbly and light-hearted main plot.

Throughout the movie, viewers can expect plenty of song and dance numbers; after all, it is a Broadway-inspired musical. What makes Whoopee! stand out is its carefully chosen selection of songs that aid in the film's storytelling and set the mood perfectly. Ethel Shutta has an enchanting voice that blends well with the lyrics and the tempo of the music. Eddie Cantor doesn't fall short either, his vocal prowess shining throughout the diverse collection of comedic and emotional songs.

Whoopee! is also credited with introducing a needful and authentic presence of Native Americans in cinema, a departure from the Hollywood norm of the time. Actor Paul Gregory, playing Wanenis, is portrayed as a gentlemanly Western hero, a character that stands toe-to-toe with the magnanimous and comedic presence of Eddie Cantor's Henry.

One notable aspect of Whoopee! is its early use of the two-color Technicolor process. The vibrancy of the film's visuals lends a certain whimsical charm that enhances the overall enjoyment of the picture. The costumes, ranging from rustic ranch clothing to flamboyantly colorful dance ensembles, serve as impressive visual elements enhancing the film's aesthetics.

The cinematography of Whoopee! is exceptional, with shots beautifully orchestrated to complement the enacted musical numbers. The dance sequences are choreographed so brilliantly that they add a visual spectacle to an already entertaining narrative.

Whoopee! was well ahead of its time with its production values, humor, and tasteful musical numbers. Its dynamic cast, headlined by Eddie Cantor's comedic genius and compounding with Ethel Shutta's radiant presence, makes the movie a delightful watch. Despite its release in the early days of sound, the film's pace and comedic timing never seem to falter.

Whoopee! serves as an entertaining slice of early filmmaking, where audiences can witness the transition of musicals from stage to screen. It surely is a must-watch for those who appreciate classic cinema and adore the lively concoction of comedy, romance, and music, encapsulated within engaging storytelling. This movie, indeed, is a testament to the golden era of Hollywood.