Naughty But Nice

By 1939, movie audiences were well acquainted with Dick Powell's singing talents. The absence of Powell's crooning in "Naughty But Nice" (NBN) probably wasn't a disappointment to movie-goers, and they were likely amused by his performance, which was against type.

"Naughty But Nice" is a pleasant Dick Powell musical comedy--more enjoyable than many of his other 30s films. He plays Professor Hardwick, a very straight-laced guy who likes writing classical- style music.

Oh MY.... so many fun names in this.

Dick Powell stars with Ann Sheridan and Gale Page in "Naughty but Nice," a film from 1939 that also features Helen Broderick and Zasu Pitts, Ronald Reagan, Allen Jenkins and Max Rosenbloom.Powell is Professor Hardwick who teaches at Winfield College and hates swing music, which is the new craze.

With the filming of Naughty But Nice, Dick Powell ended his contract with Warner Brothers and never set foot on that lot again. He wanted desperately to do dramatic material and Warners gave him nothing but lightweight stuff.

I don't place comments on most of the movies I watch (and I am a major film buff, particularly the classics of the late 30's, 40's and 50's, but I felt it necessary here as most of the comments are based on viewers with a Dick Powell focus. Powell's heyday was a little prior the timeframe of my expertise so I am not commenting upon those comments, however, Ann Sheridan is one of the most underrated actresses in film and she is outstanding in this, not to mention gorgeous.

Naughty But Nice is the story of a professor of music (Dick Powell) who wants his rhapsody to be published. His innocence and lack of taste buds rope him into a contract writing popular music with a female singer (Gale Page), a style that he hates.

The title is more provocative than the movie itself. The story, about a college professor who gets drawn into swing music and nightclub escapades, seems like a precode leftover.

Stuffed-shirt music professor Dick Powell goes to New York to have his rhapsody published. Gail Paige promptly converts it into a hit swing number.