Movie spotlight
Convention City
Extra-marital fun and games at a convention of the Honeywell Rubber Company in Atlantic City. President J.B. Honeywell is to choose a new company sales manager. T.R. Kent and George Ellerbe are two salesmen who both want the job. However, they both get into trouble: T.R. is discredited when jealous saleswoman, Arlene Dale, interferes with his attempted seduction of Honeywell's daughter, Claire, and George attempts to seduce Nancy Lorraine. The position of sales manager is bestowed upon a drunken employee as a bribe after he catches J.B. about to visit "Daisy La Rue, Exterminator." Considered a lost film.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this pre-Code musical comedy, a wealthy and influential woman is determined to prevent her former lover from marrying his new fiancée. She enlists the help of a chorus girl to sabotage the wedding, leading to a series of chaotic and comedic events. The film features lavish musical numbers and witty dialogue, capturing the spirit of the era.
Critical Reception
Convention City was a moderate success upon its release, praised for its energetic musical numbers and the performances of its cast, particularly Joan Blondell. While considered entertaining by contemporary audiences, its plot has been seen as somewhat formulaic by modern standards, though its pre-Code elements add a layer of daring.
What Reviewers Say
Entertaining and lively musical numbers.
Joan Blondell delivers a standout comedic performance.
A typical, if somewhat predictable, pre-Code Hollywood production.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Convention City are scarce due to its age, but general sentiment points to it being an enjoyable, fast-paced musical comedy characteristic of its era.
Fun Fact
Convention City is notable for being a pre-Code film, meaning it was made before the Hays Code was strictly enforced, allowing for more suggestive themes and dialogue than would be permissible a few years later.
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