Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

Connianatu How wonderful it is to see this fine actress carry a film and carry it so beautifully.

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Mischa Redfern I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

GManfred Something went wrong between the drawing board and the sound stage in filming "Hello,Frisco,Hello". It's a big, splashy, colorful musical in the best Fox tradition but somehow it falls flat. Maybe it's the storyline, which is formulaic and ordinary and done many times before - boy meets girl, boy meets another girl, boy gets dumped and makes round trip to first girl. It also does itself no favors by portraying leading man John Payne as a status-seeking heel.It does have several things going for it, especially Alice Faye and energetic song and dance man/character actor Jack Oakie. And the Academy Award winning Harry Warren/Mack Gordon song, "You'll Never Know", which is worth the price of admission alone (This song was recorded at the height of a Musicians Union strike in 1943, and sung 'a cappella' by Dick Haymes and the Pied Pipers).Not to belabor a point, but this picture would have been better off as a film short with just the "You'll Never Know" number on it. It's really the only reason to watch it as it breaks no new ground. True, there are 29 songs listed in the credits but most are forgettable and none can approach "You'll Never Know". It is the main reason for my rating of 6.

MartinHafer This was an engaging musical, though I must admit that this is probably my least familiar genre. While I like the occasional musical, they aren't something I rush to see.John Payne and Alice Faye star in this Fox film. They are partners along with Jack Oakie and June Havoc and they hit the big time thanks to their musical talents as well as Payne's amazing business sense. It seems to everyone except Payne that Faye is in love with him, but the big dope never recognizes her for her decency and charm. Instead, he has the eyes for selfish Lynn Bari--mostly because she is rich and well-heeled and a place in society is what Payne wants most. However, the marriage is a bust and Bari does nothing except bleed Payne's bank accounts. Now destitute, poor long-suffering Faye returns to help him back on his feet as the movie fades.The story of a man too blind to see love and too proud to ask for help is familiar and I've seen it a few times already--so the plot was awfully familiar and predictable. However, despite this, it was entertaining and my wife, who hates old musicals, actually sat through the film and enjoyed it. Also, the choice of songs is excellent--with many old hits. Not among the very best musicals, but still very good. And, unlike me, if you love the genre, then this is a must-see film.

edwagreen Wonderful music and sumptuous color mark this great 1943 film. The song You'll Never Know won the academy award that year and deservedly so.This is a sparkling musical where John Payne really shines as Johnny Cornell, a street hustler, who goes from rags to riches. While I thought that Clark Gable would have been fabulous in the part, Payne is quite good here.Alice Faye seemed to just get better and better. Continuing her tradition in "Alexander's Rag Time Band," she goes through a lot to get her man.Jack Haley and June Havoc give great musical support to Payne and Fay. Havoc looks just like Lucille Ball in several scenes. Hard to believe that just 4 years later, she portrayed Jewish secretary Elaine Wales in "Gentleman's Agreement." I guess that's what acting is all about.The devil here is Lynn Bari, a socialite from Knob Hill who is wiped out only to marry an up and coming Cornell and then take him for a financial ride.Of course, love conquers all at the end but you will feel so good after seeing this film. They just don't make musicals like this anymore.

willrams My favorite Alice Faye movie, by far the best! Story was great, acting superb, and the music, well it's the music and the song "You'll Never Know" which rings in my heart forever! The comedy of Jack Oakie and June Havoc is hilariously funny, and I'll always remember Laird Cregar for his shining shanigans "buddy can you spare a dime". The pairing of Alice with John Payne was always good!