Kay Kyser Double Feature (Swing Fever / Playmates)

Class is back in session for comic/bandleader Kay Kyser and his crew with this pair of song- and laugh-filled vehicles. "Swing Fever" casts the Ol' Perfessor as a struggling songwriter with a natural talent for hypnosis, which boxing manager William Gargan is ready to exploit for the benefit of punch-drunk pug Nat Pendleton. With Marilyn Maxwell, Lena Horne, Maxie Rosenbloom; keep an eye out for Ava Gardner. Then, "Playmates" finds John Barrymore (in his last film performance, as himself) striking a Faustian bargain: procuring a much-needed radio gig in exchange for lending Kyser some culture by coaching him in Shakespeare. It doesn't take long for the deal to break down in this comic corker co-starring Patsy Kelly, Lupe Velez, Peter Lind Hayes. 175 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.