THE HEAT'S ON

US, 79 minutes, Black and white.
Mae West, Victor Moore.
Directed by Gregory Ratoff.

The Heat's On was Mae West's last film in her heyday. She was later to appear in Myra Breckinridge in 1970 and Sextet in 1978.

This is a rather lame vehicle for Mae West. However, it does have many very funny one-liners in the West tradition - and she delivers them in the expected style. She appears as Fay Lawrence, a Broadway star who is involved in the collapse of a show, financial swindles - but takes charge and brings everything to a successful conclusion. On the way she has an opportunity to sing and dance, dress in the fashions of the 90s which suit her best. While it is typical Mae West material, it pales somewhat in the light of her earlier films.

Comedy is provided by veteran comedian Victor Moore who appears as a fuddy-duddy - but with some charm. His sister is the righteous Hannah Bainbridge, president of one of those Legion of Decency organisations which loves banning shows. He wants to promote his talented singer-niece (whose fiancé is military man Lloyd Bridges). He becomes involved with shady producers and is persuaded to embezzle funds to put on the show. His sister comes in and to avoid a scandal, all is resolved satisfactorily.

The film is of interest in its picture of Mae West and the Broadway star, the wheelings and dealings of Broadway entrepreneurs, the dash and style of the shows along with the problems of finance. There is typical romance - and a charming young would-be star. There is also, very strong in the light of Mae West's own experience, putting forward of prudish censor types and holding such groups up to ridicule.

Direction is by Gregory Ratoff, actor-director, who made quite a number of films ranging from the classic Intermezzo to many popular thrillers and musicals.