Some fantastic song & dance in this flick. "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" is a helluva great tune... and they know it, seeing as it appears four times in various forms. But as a noir, this is a pretty much a snooze. Very mundane murder mystery that only factors into the intro and the last few minutes. It's done competently, with especially likeable performances by Rooney, Demarest and Brown. But it's just got no sizzle to it at all. Watchable for all the swinging music, otherwise not that hot.

Poor in conception and lackluster in direction, this film is only redeemed by the controlled energy of a subdued adult Mickey Rooney--I find the adolescent Rooney close to unbearable--and by one of the best trad jazz performances showcased in a narrative film. Louis Armstrong, Earl Hines, Jack Teagarden and Barney Bigard each get a chance to show their stuff. And Mickey--although too showy--is actually pretty good on the drums!