Two Plus Fours (1930) With Bing Crosby

Within a short time after making "Two Plus Fours", Bing Crosby became a HUGE international singing sensation. However, here he is just one of a group of college students and he isn't any more prominently featured than any of the other guys. So this is not a very auspicious beginning for this man who would one day become a beloved American actor, singer and Oscar-winner.

The film begins with a groups of college students whooping it up on the train back to school. The boys decide to shoot dice with one of the porters (yes, having a black guy shooting dice was a common negative stereotype of the day) and lose everything. Still, they aren't too worried as they know good old Ripstitch the Tailor (excellently played by Nat Carr) is such a nice old guy that he'll extend them credit. But what they don't know is that Ripstitch is almost broke himself--and cannot possibly pay the rent unless the boys are able to pay him. What will happen with this nice old guy?!

This was a surprisingly enjoyable old comedy/musical. Aside from not seeing and hearing enough of Crosby, it's a good film--far better than I expected. And, for 1930, the sound is good and the overall film well worth seeing--particularly if you love Hollywood's golden age and want to see a young Bing at work.

Director:
Ray McCarey
Writers:
Chuck Callahan (story), Ray McCarey (story)
Stars:
Nat Carr, Thelma Hill and Harry Barris