Harold Teen

The gangling young vaudeville hoofer Hal LeRoy stars in this feature version of a long-forgotten comic strip, and the casting couldn't be more apt. With his reed-thin frame, impossibly long legs and goofy, Jack-o-lantern grin, LeRoy is a cartoon figure come to life. Unfortunately, the film doesn't live up to the star's oddball potential. It's a slapdash, hopelessly corny take on small town life that derives its paltry humor from the silly names of its characters.

LeRoy plays the teenage cub reporter for the local paper in his hick town (Covina, no less) who takes mail order dance lessons to win back his sweetheart Lillums after she falls for a rich older man, the banker Mr. Snatcher. In a gross misuse of his talents, LeRoy doesn't even kick up his heels until the finale. As consolation, we are offered several forgettable ditties warbled by such unlikely thrushes as Rochelle Hudson, Patricia Ellis and the frog-throated Chick Chandler, whose sweet shop number is at least sprightly.

But when the insanely spirited LeRoy finally gets to strut his stuff it's a sight to behold -- a miracle of rubber limbs and boundless energy rivaled only by Ray Bolger at his most manic.

With the ubiquitous Guy Kibbee and Clara Blandick as Lillum's parents, Douglas Dumbrille as the oily Snatcher, Hugh Herbert, wasted as per Warners' habit, as the theatrical director.