Hello, Frisco, Hello (1943)

69% of users liked it
(88 ratings)

Though a lesser 20th Century-Fox musical, Hello, Frisco, Hello was one of the studio's most successful wartime efforts. John Payne plays Johnny Cornell, a sharp wheeler-dealer operating on the Barbary Coast at the turn of the century. With the help of his songstress girlfriend Trudy Evans (Alice… More Though a lesser 20th Century-Fox musical, Hello, Frisco, Hello was one of the studio's most successful wartime efforts. John Payne plays Johnny Cornell, a sharp wheeler-dealer operating on the Barbary Coast at the turn of the century. With the help of his songstress girlfriend Trudy Evans (Alice Faye), Johnny gains a reputation as a first-class showman. Soon, however, success goes to Johnny's head, and he deserts Trudy in favor of Nob Hill socialite Bernice Croft (Lynn Bari). The disheartened Trudy heads to England, where she becomes the toast of London's theatrical set. Meanwhile, Johnny marries Bernice, who talks him into a series of money-losing "artistic" theatrical ventures. Learning of the reversal in Johnny's fortunes, Trudy secretly finances his comeback, leading to a happy ending for everyone except the pretentious Bernice. A loose reworking of 1936's King of Burlesque, Hello, Frisco Hello benefits from the comedy relief of Jack Oakie and from a string of enjoyable tunes, including the Oscar-winning "You'll Never Know." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 38 min.
Directed By: H. Bruce Humberstone
Written By: Robert Ellis, Helen Logan, Richard Macauley
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1943 Wide
On DVD: Oct 7, 2008

Critic Reviews

David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com
The charm is missing, the conflict is bland, and the sluggish story feels like a chore to get through.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Charming, colorful musical. Alice sings beautifully and looks like a million. John Payne is appealing even if his character is a cad. Jack Oakie offers good support and June Havoc is a bundle of energy, probably her best role, offering a glimpse of what Baby/Dainty June was really… More
Charming, colorful musical. Alice sings beautifully and looks like a million. John Payne is appealing even if his character is a cad. Jack Oakie offers good support and June Havoc is a bundle of energy, probably her best role, offering a glimpse of what Baby/Dainty June was really like in Gypsy. All that and the costumes are knockouts!

Cast

            Alice Faye as Trudy Evans

            John Payne as Johnny Cornell

            Jack Oakie as Dan Daley

            Lynn Bari as Bernice Croft

            Laird Cregar as Sam Weaver

            June Havoc as Beulah Clancy

            Ward Bond as Sharkey

            Aubrey Mather as Charles Cochran

            John Archer as Ned Clark

            George Lloyd as Proprietor

            Frank Darien as Missionary

            Harry Hayden as Burkham

            Eddie Dunn as Foreman

            Charles Cane as O'Riley

            Kirby Grant as Specialty Singer

            Mary Field as Cockney Maid

            George Barbier as Col. Weatherby

            Fortunio Bonanova
            
            Lynne Marie Brown as Roller Skating Specialty

            Ken Christy as Headwaiter

            Gino Corrado
            
            Esther Dale as Aunt Harriett

            Edward Earle as Stage Manager

            James Flavin as Headwaiter

            Ruth Gillette as Singer

            Adia Kuznetzoff as Opera Singer

            Frank Orth as Lou the bartender

            Frank M. Thomas as Auctioneer

            John Sinclair
            
            Ed Mundy as Preacher

            Jack Stoney as Drunk
See full cast