Movie spotlight
Swing High is a 1932 American Pre-Code short documentary film directed by Jack Cummings. In 1932, it was nominated for an Academy Award at the 5th Academy Awards for Best Short Subject (Novelty). The film documents The Flying Codonas, a family of flying trapeze artists.
A group of aspiring performers aim to strike it rich in show business, navigating the challenges and opportunities of the entertainment industry. The film follows their journey through auditions, rehearsals, and performances, highlighting the camaraderie and rivalries that emerge.
Swing High received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, noted for its energetic musical numbers and lighthearted comedic elements. While not a groundbreaking film, it was considered an entertaining piece of early musical cinema, appreciated for its escapist qualities during a difficult economic period.
Praised for its lively musical routines and cheerful atmosphere.
Acknowledged as a standard, if enjoyable, example of early musical comedy.
Some critics found the plot predictable but acceptable for the genre.
Google audience: Audience reception for Swing High is not readily available through modern aggregated platforms. Early reviews suggest it was seen as a pleasant diversion, characteristic of the musical comedies popular in the early 1930s.
Despite its title, the film is not directly related to the famous jazz standard "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" which would become popular a few years later.
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The usually lightly sarcastic Pete Smith narrates this short documentary looking at the acrobatic Codona family. We start with a little bit of Vera's practice session before Alfredo tests the apparatus before a live show with a packed audie...