zetes Delightful, offbeat musical starring Al Jolson. He plays the King of Central Park (basically king of the bums). He likes his carefree life, and is actually good friends with the real mayor of New York (Frank Morgan). One day, Morgan suspects his girlfriend (Madge Evans) of theft and basically kicks her to the curb. After a suicide attempt, Evans develops amnesia and becomes Jolson's girlfriend. Silent film star Harry Langdon appears as Jolson's communist friend. The Depression era politics are odd and interesting. I wonder if the film's weirdness is the reason it kind of flopped in 1933, and why it's so little known today. I can't say it's a great film - the story's not strong and it definitely fizzles in the end. And the Rodgers and Hart score isn't especially memorable (and the sound is so tinny the lyrics are pretty difficult to understand). But it's a must-see.

MartinHafer Wow, is this an unusual film! Not only is it about how wonderful it is to be a bum, but there also is a song that is anti-Bolshevik! For the life of me, I can't think of another film with themes like this!! Unlike most musicals, most of the dialog is actually sung--some very well and some definitely not! While this might sound like a good thing, it was NOT--especially when seen today. It's all very, very hard to enjoy as there aren't any particularly memorable songs and a little of this goes a very long way! As a result, it's a mildly interesting curio at best--and a film only for Jolson fans (both of them).Despite me not enjoying this film, it is interesting to silent comedy fans like me. Two old-time comedians are in the film--Harry Langdon (a gifted comic who is practically unknown today) and Chester Conklin (of the Keystone Kops and other supporting roles). Look for Langdon as 'Egghead'(the supposed Bolshevik) and Conklin plays 'Sunday' (sporting the familiar mustache but here it's gray--plus he also wears spectacles).

Michael_Elliott Hallelujah I'm a Bum (1933) *** (out of 4)Charming musical has Al Jolson playing a New York tramp who is more than happy to live, play and act the role of a bum. He begins to have second thoughts when he saves a girl (Madge Evans) from suicide and then learns she belongs to his Mayor (Frank Morgan) friend. There's no secret that I'm not a fan of Jolson's THE JAZZ SINGER and this here is only the second film of his that I've seen and it was certainly good enough to make me want to seek out more. This is a rather strange mix of politics, music, comedy, romance and all of it set during the Great Depression. This was a pretty surreal film because it mixes so many genres and I really can't put my finger on what worked so well but the entire film has a certain glow to it that makes it rather irresistible for fans of Hollywood's Golden Age. The star here is without a doubt Jolson who really fits the role of the bum quite well. His happy-go-lucky attitude and walk really jumps off the screen and can make one appreciate the film's rather strange message that unemployment is a good thing. The movie certainly takes some dark thoughts and turns them around for a warmth and for this the movie really can't be appreciated even more. Jolson is what sells the material but Evans is just as charming and Morgan makes for a good semi-villain. Co-star Harry Langdon nearly steals the film as the sad-faced Egghead. I wouldn't say any of the songs were true masterpieces but they're all quite catchy with "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum" and "Bumper Found a Grand" really sticking out as the best. I think the love triangle is the weakest aspect of the film and I would have preferred more music over kisses but this is still an enjoyable little gem that certainly shows Jolson off in a very good light.

st-shot This upbeat depression era musical features Broadway sensation Al Jolson as hobo king Bumper. Living in Central Park he and his followers choose a life of leisure to wage slavery debating it in song and rhyme with among others a Red grounds keeper. Even though he's a confidant of the mayor he prefers his laid back lifestyle to patronage work. One night Bumper saves a woman who throws herself off the Bow Bridge. Stricken with amnesia she takes up with Bumper who falls hard enough for her to get a job. When Bumper's "Angel" get's her memory back things change and Bumper returns to his previous vocation.By 1933 massive unemployment stretched across the land and I can only imagine what the audience reaction of the time might be regarding a musical that extols the joy of joblessness. Jolson's popularity was on the wane having been supplanted by Bing Crosby but he still had enough draw in his voice to make Hallalueh, I'm a Bum a moneymaker and the flimsy story written with sly subversiveness by Ben Hecht does have a light satiric humor to it.Edgar Conor as sidekick Acorn and silent film clowns Harry Langdon and Chester Conklin add to the film's amiability while Madge Evans as the amnesiac retains a sinewy seductiveness in an evening gown she wears for days on end. Director Lewis Milestone adds his usual camera movements with a striking tableaux here and there but there is also some sloppy back projection and pedestrian editing that gives the finished product a rushed feel. Overall though Hallalueh, I'm a Bum is an oddly interesting take on tough times featuring a legendary talent in fine form.