Movie spotlight
Rackety Rax
Gambler/racketeer "Knucks" McGloin takes note of just how much money and action (aside from the game itself) takes place around and about the annual Rose Bowl football game, and decides this is one sweet proposition and could be even sweeter if one had his own college and football game and had a large say beforehand as to the outcome of any game this team had. So he ups and creates his own college---Carnasie after his own neighborhood. His gangster rival. Gilatti, thinks this give McGloin a definite inside advantage and, if there is one thing a gambler can't abide, it is that someone has an inside advantage and they are not that someone. Gilatti gets himself a college football team. Education marches on.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this musical comedy, a group of circus performers, led by Buster Keaton's character, decides to form their own baseball team to compete against a rival club. Their unconventional approach to the sport, filled with circus-like antics and musical numbers, leads to a series of hilarious mishaps and unexpected triumphs.
Critical Reception
Rackety Rax was met with a mixed to positive reception upon its release. While some critics praised its energetic musical numbers and Buster Keaton's enduring comedic presence, others found the plot somewhat thin and the integration of baseball into a musical format to be a bit strained. Audiences generally enjoyed the novelty and the performances, though it wasn't considered one of Keaton's landmark films.
What Reviewers Say
Buster Keaton brings his signature physical comedy to the proceedings.
The musical numbers provide lively entertainment.
The plot is light and occasionally predictable.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for 'Rackety Rax (1932)' is not readily available in public archives.
Fun Fact
Despite being a supporting role, Joan Crawford's performance in 'Rackety Rax' was a deliberate attempt by MGM to test her versatility in lighter fare, away from her typical dramatic roles.
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