“Panama Hattie” (1942) starring Red Skelton, Ann Southern and Rags Ragland / Z-View
Panama Hattie (1942)
Director: Norman Z. McLeod, Roy Del Ruth, Vincente Minnelli
Screenplay: Jack McGowan, Wilkie C. Mahoney (as Wilkie Mahoney), Herbert Fields, Mary C. McCall Jr. (uncredited), Lillie Messginer (uncredited), Vincent Minelli (uncredited), Joseph Schrank (uncredited), based on the 1940 American musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and book by Herbert Fields and B. G. DeSylva.
Stars: Red Skelton, Ann Sothern, Rags Ragland, Ben Blue, Marsha Hunt, Virginia O’Brien, Alan Mowbray, Dan Dailey, The Berry Brothers and Lena Horne.
Tagline: Swing as Ann Sings – Laugh as Red Clowns – Thrill to the Navy Stirring Battle-cry
The Plot…
Panama Hattie is Hattie Maloney, a nightclub owner/singer in the Panama Canal Zone. Hattie has three Navy buddies, Red, Rags and Rowdy. They want Hattie to perform at big party they are organizing. Hattie is also getting ready to meet her fiancé’s young daughter for the first time. Kitty-Belle, an Admiral’s daughter also wants to marry Hattie’s fiancé. Oh, and Red, Rags and Rowdy think that they’ve discovered some Nazi spies.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Panama Hattie is all over the place. But considering the movie was based on a play, brought to the screen with eight writers and three directors, it isn’t surprising. There’s a little something for everyone if you’re looking for music, comedy and dancing.
I like Red Skelton and the under-rated Rags Ragland. My favorite parts of the movie involve them. As to the musical aspects, Virginia O’Brien has the best songs (especially about her getting drunk at the Savoy!), and The Berry Brothers the best dance. Oh, and Lena Horne made her MGM film debut in this film. Ms. Horne sings in a nightclub. Her scene was easily cut (without effecting the plot) when the film was shown in the South.
This film was made during World War II and the entire cast joins to sing the final song about the US joining the fight. The movie ends and immediately a card for War Bonds appears.
Panama Hattie (1942) rates 3 of 5 stars