This movie was found in the dollar bin at Wal-Mart, and it couldn't be resisted, simply because Jimmy Stewart movies are worth watching, even oldies like Pot of Gold. Clear back in 1941 his trademark common man persona was much in evidence with this quirky little madcap comedy/musical. Considering this movie came just five years prior to It's a Wonderful Life, it's surprising it hasn't received more notice. The plot in a nutshell is that Stewart has to close up his music shop due to poor business, and goes to the city to go work for his cranky rich uncle. Along the way Stewart becomes involved with a band, a pretty Irish girl, thrown in jail, and could be arrested for running a illegal lottery. While there are plenty of madcap moments, honest understated humor, and delightful performances, it's the music that is absolutely incredible! Jimmy Stewart bluffs his way fairly incredibly on the harmonica and even sings a song. It may not have been his favorite movie, but it is still a Jimmy Stewart gem. Even if you have to pay more than a dollar to watch the movie, it's still a movie, especially for Jimmy Stewart fans, to find and enjoy. The dining room musical number is worth the rental fee alone (but dig through the Wal-Mart dollar bins anyway).

This light-hearted film sees James Stewart playing Jimmy Haskell, the owner of a failing music store in a small town. His music-hating uncle C.J. Haskell wants him to give it up and join the family business. Shortly afterwards he is forced to sell so heads to the city. Here he finds himself in an argument between a group of musicians, living at Ma McCorkle's boarding house and representatives of a local business man who is disturbed by their playing. Jimmy throws a tomato and hits the businessman... his uncle! He gets away without being recognised and is seen as a hero by the musicians; and Ma's daughter Molly. He is now in a predicament; his uncle is determined to identify and prosecute the man who threw the tomato and the McCorkle's might not take kindly to having a Haskell in their midst. Will he be able to reconcile the families or is he just going to upset everybody when the truth comes out?

This film won't provide too many surprises but that doesn't matter. It is charming, witty and features plenty of musical turns, but not too many. James Stewart is a delight as Jimmy and the rest of the cast are solid. The comedy is gentle; mostly based on the facts that Jimmy's uncle doesn't know he threw the tomato, the McCorkle's not knowing he is a Haskell and his attempts to keep it that way. Highlights amongst the musical numbers are a performance in a jail cell and the pre-dinner performance featuring 'musical glasses. Comedy highlights included making Uncle C.J. think he was hearing and seeing things that nobody else could and the finale where Molly comes up with a plan which could unfortunately land Jimmy in jail if he can't think of a way to implement it legally. Inevitably there is also some romance between Jimmy and Molly. Overall a fun little film with no offensive material and plenty of gentle laughs; well worth a watch.

If you are a fan of Jimmy Stewert, then this is a movie you will enjoy. James plays the person he does best, namely himself. A small town man trying to make it in a big business world. Throw in the gorgeous Paulette Goddard, and the chemistry is dynamic. If you don't enjoy musicals, this movie might not be for you. But the old time music is something that most will enjoy. Especially those of us who have an affinity for classic Hollywood.