Wonder Bar
Wonder Bar

Wonder Bar

1934Movie84 minEnglish

Harry and Inez are a dance team at the Wonder Bar. Inez loves Harry, but he is in love with Liane, the wife of a wealthy business man. Al Wonder and the conductor/singer Tommy are in love with Inez. When Inez finds out that Harry wants to leave Paris and is going to the USA with Liane, she kills him.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Director: Lloyd BaconGenres: Musical, Comedy, Romance

Plot Summary

In a lavish nightclub, a charming but down-on-his-luck singer, Al, vies for the affection of the beautiful socialite, Inez. Meanwhile, the club's owner, Harry, is entangled with a jealous gangster, Joe. Al's musical talents and heartfelt performances, including the iconic "Don't Put That Thing on Me," captivate Inez and the audience. The narrative unfolds amidst a backdrop of mistaken identities, romantic complications, and musical numbers, culminating in a dramatic confrontation.

Critical Reception

Wonder Bar received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with particular praise for Al Jolson's energetic performance and the film's musical numbers. Some critics found the plot to be convoluted, but the film's visual style and entertainment value were generally appreciated. It was a moderate commercial success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Al Jolson's star power and musical numbers are the film's main draw.
  • The lavish nightclub setting and vibrant musical sequences are highlights.
  • The plot is sometimes criticized for being weak or overstuffed.

Google audience: Audience reception for Wonder Bar is not widely available through modern aggregated platforms, but historical reviews suggest appreciation for its musical elements and Al Jolson's performance.

Fun Fact

The film is notable for its innovative use of early Technicolor sequences, particularly during the musical numbers, which stood out for their visual flair in the black-and-white dominated era.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
JF1017xyz

JF1017xyz

I found this movie to be a bid off-putting. The plot line of the woman crazed with love for her gigolo boyfriend while two potential paramours waited in the wings was fairly standard. However, Jolson's portrayal of Al Wonder, nightclub owne...