Thank Your Lucky Stars

Filmmaker David Butler's 1943 wartime morale-booster (and incidental promo piece for Warner Bros.' stable of contract actors) could spark natural curiosity thanks to the appearance of classic troupers—Errol Flynn, John Garfield, Olivia de Havilland, Ann Sheridan, and a quite game Bette Davis—in atypical song-and-dance bits, although many gag references and topics will seem obscure to modern viewers. Golden Age radio star Eddie Cantor plays dual roles, one as himself (as a controlling schnook), the other as "Joe Simpson," a lookalike Hollywood tour guide who is switched with the impresario to give his struggling showbiz pals a part in Cantor's new big show. The forgettable plot essentially serves as a frame on which to hang some fine production numbers, including a great instrumental piece by novelty bandleader Spike Jones, and "Ice Cold Katy," an all-black extravaganza that, for the era, avoids demeaning Jim Crow stereotypes (Native Americans are less fortunate here). Bowing on Blu-ray, extras include archival cartoons, shorts, and newsreels. A somewhat ephemeral crowd-pleaser that showcases classic Hollywood Golden Age talent, this is a strong optional purchase. (C. Cassady)