Watch Whoopee!
- Approved
- 1930
- 1 hr 41 min
-
6.4 (1,213)
Whoopee! is a classic musical comedy from 1930, directed by Thornton Freeland and starring Eddie Cantor, Ethel Shutta, and Paul Gregory. Set in the Wild West, the film follows the hilarious misadventures of a shy young man named Henry Williams (Cantor) who falls in love with a beautiful young woman named Sally Morgan (Shutta). But things get complicated when he discovers that Sally is engaged to be married to her wealthy, but obnoxious, fiancé (Gregory).
The film opens with a lively musical number introducing the colorful characters of the Old West. Soon, we meet Henry Williams, a milquetoast of a man who is hopelessly in love with Sally Morgan, the jaded daughter of a saloon owner. Despite his best efforts, Henry can't seem to win Sally's heart, until he saves her from a dangerous train robbery and she begins to see him in a new light.
However, Sally is already engaged to be married to Jeff Badger (Gregory), a braggart and bully who wants to take over her father's saloon. Jeff is determined to get what he wants, even if it means bullying everyone in his way. When he finds out about Sally's growing affection for Henry, he sets out to ruin their relationship and win back her heart.
The film is full of energetic musical numbers, featuring Eddie Cantor's trademark wit and zany antics. One standout scene involves Henry trying to make a good impression on Sally's mother by pretending to be a famous Indian chief, only to be foiled by Jeff's hilarious attempts to imitate him.
In addition to the comedy, Whoopee! also features some impressive set pieces, including an elaborate dance number featuring a large cast of dancers and a train robbery sequence that is both thrilling and amusing. The film's climax, set during a wild and raucous hoedown, is a showcase for the film's talented cast and musicians.
One of the highlights of the film is Eddie Cantor's performance as Henry Williams. Cantor, a popular comedian and singer of the era, brings his trademark humor and charm to the role, making Henry a lovable underdog who viewers can't help but root for. Ethel Shutta is also excellent as Sally Morgan, bringing just the right amount of sass and vulnerability to the character. Paul Gregory is perfect as the over-the-top villain, Jeff Badger, creating a character viewers will love to hate.
Overall, Whoopee! is an entertaining and nostalgic look back at the early days of Hollywood musicals. With its lively music, colorful characters, and energetic performances, it remains a cherished classic of the genre.
Whoopee! is a 1930 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.