We're Not Dressing (VHS, 1994)

We're Not Dressing (1934) is a fun and fanciful musical starring Bing Crosby and Carole Lombard with Ethel Merman, George Burns and Gracie Allen in supporting roles. The story, based on a J.M. Barrie play, is about a yacht which sinks and strands its passengers and crew on a seemingly deserted island. The class hierarchy is turned upside down when sailor Crosby becomes the leader of the group and socialite Lombard is forced to follow his command or starve.

This movie has everything and a roller-skating bear. Crosby is slightly miscast as the verile sailor, but he gets several opportunities to croon excellently. Lombard is very good, as is Merman, and Burns and Allen are their typical hilarious selves. The aforementioned bear is funniest when chasing Crosby, who sings the bear's favorite song, "Goodnight, Lovely Little Lady."

We're Not Dressing is a wacky yet enjoyable picture. I recommend it to fans of Bing Crosby, Carole Lombard, and Burns and Allen. Those interested in pre-Code films may want to see this movie, which was released just weeks before the Production Code began to be enforced. There's not a lot of this film which wouldn't have met the Code, but it's easy to see how censors would have objected to some shots. Fans of 1930s musicals will also find We're Not Dressing worth a watch.

This movie is also available on DVD in the set Carole Lombard: The Glamour Collection. The VHS quality, though, is fine.