A lackluster plot surrounds some lukewarm musical entertainment in this mid-war production. The best parts of the film are the musical acts in the nightclub, but the producers do their best to sabotage them. As is typical, there are the obligatory salutes to the boys in uniform and a whole lot of hokum, everything from comic acts that are totally unfunny to juggling and faux magic tricks. The movie is called Swing Fever, so you might think the action is hot. It is for those few moments when the band or the swing dancers are allowed to go at it. but most of the "action" is like watching The Lawrence Welk Show, corn and all.
Cameos are jammed in, as was the custom, but they are random and flat. Kay Kyser is his usual cornball self. And of course they include the usual nods to the wartime mythology of soldiers and sailors getting the beautiful canteen girl, who might be a star.
Particularly painful are the "comic" stylings of the band member with bangs who recites "poetry" and otherwise annoys.
The word swing in the title also refers to the boxing plot. A number of real boxers are in the film. We know what great actors they are.
Cameos are jammed in, as was the custom, but they are random and flat. Kay Kyser is his usual cornball self. And of course they include the usual nods to the wartime mythology of soldiers and sailors getting the beautiful canteen girl, who might be a star.
Particularly painful are the "comic" stylings of the band member with bangs who recites "poetry" and otherwise annoys.
The word swing in the title also refers to the boxing plot. A number of real boxers are in the film. We know what great actors they are.