Hitting a New High

Set in 1937, Hitting a New High is a delightful blend of comedy, music, and romance that uses humor and charm excellently to weave an intriguing storyline. It's a must-see for those fascinated by classic Hollywood thespians and Lilly Pons' unrivaled soprano voice, endearing personality, and comedic flair. Touted for her exceptional singing talent in both opera and popular music genres, Pons' performance contributes significantly to the film's appeal.

In Hitting a New High, Pons debuts as a charming Parisian pet-shop attendant named Lili. Unsatisfied with life's monotony and yearning for a break from her mundane routine, Pons' character dreams of a successful career in opera but lacks the means to make those dreams a reality. Jack Oakie, known for his dexterous comedic roles, plays an unsuccessful and penniless talent agent named Gus. Gus discovers Lili's remarkable singing capabilities and is immediately zapped by the idea of transforming her into the next big opera sensation.

John Howard makes an impressive third to the duo as Bob, a handsome and wealthy suitor who is smitten by Lili's charming persona. Unlike Gus, who views Pons' talent as a potential gold mine, Bob finds himself drawn to her charm and innocence. As a wealthy butterfly hunter, Bob offers a stark contrast to Gus’s desperation and wit in a well-crafted character dichotomy that adds depth to the film's narrative while ensuing light-hearted rivalry.

In the pursuit of becoming successful, Gus creates an outlandish backstory for Lili. He spins a tale about her supposedly being a reincarnated nightingale and markets Lili as “Mlle. Nightingale”, the talented opera singer. As tends to happen in this sort of film, pure chaos ensues as this wild fabrication spreads. The story sets the tone for a hilarious series of events, with the characters getting caught up in their web of lies, leading to several misadventures. This gives way to numerous comedic highs, especially owing to Oakie’s energetic and infectious flair for comedy.

Hitting a New High employs a plethora of unforgettable classic scores and unforgettable performances by Pons, a renowned opera singer off-screen as well. The movie's title song, “Hitting a New High”, was specially written for Pons by noted composer Arthur Schwartz and lyricist Dorothy Fields. This song showcases Pons’ exceptional soprano vocal range and gives her the opportunity to display her talents to a wider audience.

The movie’s strength is derived from its wonderful mix of amusing dialogue, catchy tunes, and the combined talent of the lead actors. Pons displays her flair equally in acting and singing, showcasing her multi-faceted talent, while Oakie, with his comedic antics, ensures the merriment never ceases. Howard’s charismatic attitude provides a fine balance to Oakie’s hyperactive energy, making him a great counterfoil to both Pons and Oakie.

The excellent direction is spearheaded by Raoul Walsh, a director known for his variety of genres and potent storytelling abilities. His expert handling of the comedy and musical scenes is an evident testament to his directorial prowess. The charming screenplay by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, along with Arthur Schwartz's catchy music, further enhances this light-hearted, high-spirited musical extravaganza.

Despite its comedic nature, the film subtly reflects on the struggle of artists in society – their dreams, their hopes, and the lengths they would go to make their mark. Hence, while being entertainment-rich, Hitting a New High simultaneously holds a mirror to the realities of an artist’s life in the 1930s.

The production values match the high standards typically associated with RKO's 1930s films. The sets are grand, and the costumes are fanciful and characteristic of that period, which successfully captures the 1930s' grandeur. The cinematography, too, excels in its representation of the bygone era.

In conclusion, Hitting a New High offers a heady mix of music, comedy, and drama that makes for a pleasurable viewing experience. It's an excellent example of Hollywood’s Golden Era, showcasing the best aspects of the period's musicals. The film promises to keep audiences entertained with its delightful performances, engaging plot, and unforgettable tunes, all layered with a generous dose of comedy.