East Side of Heaven

Director: David Butler David Butler

Overview

Bing Crosby plays a tune-happy cab driver who finds himself the reluctant recipient of an abandoned baby. Together with his roommate, dour doorman Mischa Auer, Crosby offers care and shelter to the infant until he can locate the parents. The baby brings in some unwanted publicity for Crosby, which costs him his job--no real problem, in that a happy ending is obviously in the offing. East Side of Heaven was the first of a two-picture deal between Bing Crosby and Universal Pictures, which turned out to be a smart move money wise for both parties. Crosby's leading lady is the vivacious Joan Blondell, who later characterized her costar as "Aloof...I think he was born that way." The infant in the story is played by Baby Sandy (Sandra Henville), who was subsequently launched into a brief "B" series of her own before retiring at the advanced age of four.

Product Details

Release Date:	10/01/2019
UPC:	0025192365904
Original Release:	1939
Rating:	NR
Source:	ALLIED VAUGHN
Language:	English
Time:	1:28:00
Sales rank:	51,087

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Bing Crosby	Denny Martin
Joan Blondell	Mary Wilson
Mischa Auer	Nicky
Irene Hervey	Mona Barrett
Jerome Cowan	Claudius DeWolfe
Robert Kent	Cyrus Barrett Jr.
C. Aubrey Smith	Cyrus Barrett Sr.
Jackie Gerlich	Bobbie
Douglas Wood	Fisher
Arthur Hoyt	Loftus
Brandon Hurst	Butler
Baby Sandy	Baby Sandy
Raymond Parker	Messenger
Jack Powell	Chef/Happy Jack Powell
Jane Jones	Trio
Rose Valyda	Trio
Helen Warner	Trio
J. Farrell MacDonald	Doorman
Russell Hicks	Winkle
Chester Clute	Phil
Phyllis Kennedy	Mamie
Clarence Wilson	Telegraph Operator,Telegraph Operator
Joseph King	Detective
Dorothy Christy	Mrs. Henry Smith
Wade Boteler	Detective
Jane Goude	Landlady
Emory Parnell	Doorman
Lelah Tyler	Woman
Edward Earle	Mr. Henry Smith
Frank Coghlan Jr.	Messenger Boy
Harry Depp	Executive
Lloyd Ingraham	Executive
Lillian West	Nurse
Frank Moran	Workman
Billy Wayne	Garage Man
Mary Carr	Mrs. Travers
Pauline Haddon	Gertie, Phone Operator
Harry C. Bradley	James Travers
Hooper Atchley	Actor
Helen Brown	Secretary
Edward Emerson	Program Manager
Pat Hartigan	Doorman
Herbert Ashley	Policeman
Russ Clark	Policeman

Technical Credits

David Butler	Director
Herbert Polesie	Producer

Editorial Reviews

East Side of Heaven amply demonstrates the power of charm, especially in a musical. Oh, the screenplay is more than adequate, if based upon a familiar and rather silly premise. Indeed, this is the kind of film where one has to be willing to suspend belief at the actions of many characters. But the story is told with such spirit and such a seeming belief in its absurdities that most viewers will settle back and enjoy its frivolities rather than worry about them. Of course, it helps that Heaven is packed with appealing performers, including Bing Crosby in what is one of his most engaging early lead performances. Smooth as ever, and with a laconic manner that belies the fire beneath, Crosby is a treat as he juggles the many comic mix-ups that come his way. And there is an undeniable chemistry between him and Baby Sandy, whose naturalness is certainly loved by the camera. Then there's Joan Blondell, who uncharacteristically doesn't have as many cracks to make wise about as usual, but who brings energy and effervescence to her role. Mischa Auer is priceless as the unlikely roommate, and C. Aubrey Smith is appropriately domineering. The songs by themselves are not especially distinguished, but Crosby imbues them with a little magic, and "That Sly Old Gentleman" is especially irresistible. Under David Butler's assured and un-fussy direction, Heaven is a sweet bon-bon of a movie.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler