- Published on
Date of Release: Oct 3, 1929
Director: David Butler
Studio: Fox
Leading Actors: Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell
Music: B.G. DeSylva, Lew Brown, Ray Henderson
Choreography: Seymour Felix
Aptly directed by David Butler, a prolific Hollywood director who made over thirty films for Fox, Sunny Side Up is an original musical comedy performed with much charm and humor. Set in NY between the wealthy Southampton, and the working class Yorkville, the film is a happily-ever-after love story between an unlikely duo played by Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. The film was the pair's first talking picture, and they went on to make over a dozen features together.
Janet Gaynor’s singing was described at the time by the NY Times Review as “sincere” and “appealing”. Her voice is light, and mostly uses speak-singing, but as the Times correctly asserts, she is a “delightful” actor and very believable as the sweet tempered and dreamy Molly.
Frank Richardson in the supporting role of Eddie the grocer is wonderful. His comic timing is just perfect, and plays well even to a modern audience.
Penned by the DeSylva, Brown, and Henderson team, the music is jaunty and fun and features songs such as “I’m a Dreamer,” “You’ve Got Me Pickin’ Petals off Daisies,” “Sunny Side Up,” “Turn Up the Heat,” and “If I Had a Talking Picture of You”. The writing team were well established on the vaudeville circuit and had had successes in Hollywood with earlier musical films such as The Singing Fool. The tunes in Sunny Side Up are light-hearted and work well within the story.
Director: David Butler
Studio: Fox
Leading Actors: Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell
Music: B.G. DeSylva, Lew Brown, Ray Henderson
Choreography: Seymour Felix
Aptly directed by David Butler, a prolific Hollywood director who made over thirty films for Fox, Sunny Side Up is an original musical comedy performed with much charm and humor. Set in NY between the wealthy Southampton, and the working class Yorkville, the film is a happily-ever-after love story between an unlikely duo played by Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. The film was the pair's first talking picture, and they went on to make over a dozen features together.
Janet Gaynor’s singing was described at the time by the NY Times Review as “sincere” and “appealing”. Her voice is light, and mostly uses speak-singing, but as the Times correctly asserts, she is a “delightful” actor and very believable as the sweet tempered and dreamy Molly.
Frank Richardson in the supporting role of Eddie the grocer is wonderful. His comic timing is just perfect, and plays well even to a modern audience.
Penned by the DeSylva, Brown, and Henderson team, the music is jaunty and fun and features songs such as “I’m a Dreamer,” “You’ve Got Me Pickin’ Petals off Daisies,” “Sunny Side Up,” “Turn Up the Heat,” and “If I Had a Talking Picture of You”. The writing team were well established on the vaudeville circuit and had had successes in Hollywood with earlier musical films such as The Singing Fool. The tunes in Sunny Side Up are light-hearted and work well within the story.
Most musical numbers occur during performances, such as the Yorkville block party, and the Charity Carnival. Songs not performed as staged numbers are charming and sincere. The musical highlight of the film occurs at the Carnival, with the racy “Turn Up the Heat,” choreographed by Seymour Felix (watch above!). The number is an inventive chorus girl feature that remains fresh and exciting. Felix would go on to choreograph for the Oscar winning The Great Zegfeld (1936), and his talents are evident here.
The story telling has a tendency to move slowly, but the film is full of humor and good fun. A really delightful movie.
The story telling has a tendency to move slowly, but the film is full of humor and good fun. A really delightful movie.
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