CLEAR TO THE TOP
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Year Published: 1946
Creator: Calvert Distillers Corp. Roland Reed
Description: (Note: this is apparently a 12-minute fragment of a 35 minute film.) Presented by Calvert Distillers Corp. and produced by Roland Reed, "Clear to the Top" dates to 1946 and was apparently made by Calvert as a p.r. reaction to the movie "The Lost Weekend". It was directed by Frank Strayer, stars Regis Toomey, Stephen Barclay, Joan Woodbury, James Bush, Harry Shannon and Eddie Kane. Official summary: The theme of this film is moderation in drinking and proper drinking habits, and the care with which liquors are made and blended. The script centers around the attempt of a group of dancers who hope to get a start in their profession through the performance of the "Dancing Donald's" new piece "On Deck". They hope a booking agent is in the audience, and Edie confirms that Frank Robertson, a big shot agent, is present. Despite their best efforts, Robertson leaves before the performance ends, leading to disappointment and thoughts of re-enlisting in the Army. However, Robertson returns, offering them a contract and arranging for them to perform in Louisville. The group celebrates and prepares for the trip. Mr. Harris, the nightclub owner, expresses concerns about their performance and -- because they almost loset their opportunity since one of the members mixes his drinks improperly -- gives advice on responsible drinking. (Note: in the original 35 minute version, a trip through a distillery is worked into the story, showing how liquors are made, and mentioning the work the company did for the government during the war in the manufacture of alcohol. However that segment is missing from this version of the film.)The performers discuss their nerves and the pressure to succeed, with plans to help them relax and prepare for the next show. The film concludes with a mention of a rehearsal and the performers' reluctance to do it. 00:00: The Bijou Theater. Introduction of a vaudeville theater troupe with a mention of "dancing Donald's on deck." 1:11 - 1:32: Discussion about the hope that a brother has an agent out front. 1:32 - 1:46: Edie announces that the big shot booking agent, Frank Robertson, is present. 1:46 - 1:53: Edie points out Frank Robertson in the third row. 1:50: Encouragement to give their best performance as this is their big chance. 3:00: Reaction to the performance, noting that Frank Robertson walked out before it ended. 3:39: Dressing room chat between manager and performers. Disappointment and contemplation about re-enlisting in the Army. 4:00: Edie brings a drink to celebrate, despite the disappointment. 4:16: Frank Robertson returns and offers a contract at $350 a week. 4:44: Robertson explains he left early to arrange tickets for the midnight train to Louisville. 5:01: Robertson mentions a friend who owns a nightclub in Louisville where they will perform. 5:17: Robertson arranges a drawing room for the trip and emphasizes the importance of making a good impression. 5:34: Robertson declines a drink and leaves, reminding them not to miss the train. 5:46: Celebration among the group as they prepare to leave for Louisville. 6:00: The group plans a quick celebration before catching the train. 6:21: Tap dancing performance. Discussion about the performance and the need to rest before the next show. 7:30: Trip to a new venue for their first performance. Mr. Harris expresses concern about their performance and the need for improvement. 8:00: Introduction of Eddie Conway, the manager, and a discussion about the previous night's celebration and Eddie's hangover. 8:26: Advice on drinking habits and the importance of knowing how to drink responsibly. 9:01: Mr. Harris gives advice on drinking, mixing drinks, and emphasizes the importance of knowing what you drink, how much, and when. 9:56: Mr. Harris leaves, reminding them of the next show at 9:30. 10:06: Discussion about the performance and the need to stay positive. 10:27: Concern about nerves and the pressure of performing well. 11:01: Discussion about the temperament of artists and the need to support them. 11:31: Plan to help the performers relax and prepare for the next show. The film ends with a montage of people drinking and dancing. 12:02: Mention of a rehearsal and the reluctance to do it.
Complete Record: (Note: this is apparently a 12-minute fragment of a 35 minute film.) Presented by Calvert Distillers Corp. and produced by Roland Reed, "Clear to the Top" dates to 1946 and was apparently made by Calvert as a p.r. reaction to the movie "The Lost Weekend". It was directed by Frank Strayer, stars Regis Toomey, Stephen Barclay, Joan Woodbury, James Bush, Harry Shannon and Eddie Kane. Official summary: The theme of this film is moderation in drinking and proper drinking habits, and the care with which liquors are made and blended. The script centers around the attempt of a group of dancers who hope to get a start in their profession through the performance of the "Dancing Donald's" new piece "On Deck". They hope a booking agent is in the audience, and Edie confirms that Frank Robertson, a big shot agent, is present. Despite their best efforts, Robertson leaves before the performance ends, leading to disappointment and thoughts of re-enlisting in the Army. However, Robertson returns, offering them a contract and arranging for them to perform in Louisville. The group celebrates and prepares for the trip. Mr. Harris, the nightclub owner, expresses concerns about their performance and -- because they almost loset their opportunity since one of the members mixes his drinks improperly -- gives advice on responsible drinking. (Note: in the original 35 minute version, a trip through a distillery is worked into the story, showing how liquors are made, and mentioning the work the company did for the government during the war in the manufacture of alcohol. However that segment is missing from this version of the film.)The performers discuss their nerves and the pressure to succeed, with plans to help them relax and prepare for the next show. The film concludes with a mention of a rehearsal and the performers' reluctance to do it. 00:00: The Bijou Theater. Introduction of a vaudeville theater troupe with a mention of "dancing Donald's on deck." 1:11 - 1:32: Discussion about the hope that a brother has an agent out front. 1:32 - 1:46: Edie announces that the big shot booking agent, Frank Robertson, is present. 1:46 - 1:53: Edie points out Frank Robertson in the third row. 1:50: Encouragement to give their best performance as this is their big chance. 3:00: Reaction to the performance, noting that Frank Robertson walked out before it ended. 3:39: Dressing room chat between manager and performers. Disappointment and contemplation about re-enlisting in the Army. 4:00: Edie brings a drink to celebrate, despite the disappointment. 4:16: Frank Robertson returns and offers a contract at $350 a week. 4:44: Robertson explains he left early to arrange tickets for the midnight train to Louisville. 5:01: Robertson mentions a friend who owns a nightclub in Louisville where they will perform. 5:17: Robertson arranges a drawing room for the trip and emphasizes the importance of making a good impression. 5:34: Robertson declines a drink and leaves, reminding them not to miss the train. 5:46: Celebration among the group as they prepare to leave for Louisville. 6:00: The group plans a quick celebration before catching the train. 6:21: Tap dancing performance. Discussion about the performance and the need to rest before the next show. 7:30: Trip to a new venue for their first performance. Mr. Harris expresses concern about their performance and the need for improvement. 8:00: Introduction of Eddie Conway, the manager, and a discussion about the previous night's celebration and Eddie's hangover. 8:26: Advice on drinking habits and the importance of knowing how to drink responsibly. 9:01: Mr. Harris gives advice on drinking, mixing drinks, and emphasizes the importance of knowing what you drink, how much, and when. 9:56: Mr. Harris leaves, reminding them of the next show at 9:30. 10:06: Discussion about the performance and the need to stay positive. 10:27: Concern about nerves and the pressure of performing well. 11:01: Discussion about the temperament of artists and the need to support them. 11:31: Plan to help the performers relax and prepare for the next show. The film ends with a montage of people drinking and dancing. 12:02: Mention of a rehearsal and the reluctance to do it.
Transcription
e [Music] [Applause] dancing Donald's on [Music] [Applause] Deck yeah everything will be fine if only your brother has an agent out front yeah let's hope that's why he isn't around Sis I did it you did what Edie he's got here the big shot booking agent Frank Robertson come [Applause] here he's right in the third row there on the aisle R see this is the chance you've been waiting for sir give kids give [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] oh [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] keep it down old curtain hey what do you mean old curtain listen to that skip it what's wrong ah he walked out before we were through come on kid let's get dressed screen house [Applause] lights well this does it kids swallowed to give me a job but I guess I better reinlist in the Army as a manager I'm a big flop forget it Eddie no I mean it if I were any good you two would be all set by now I just can't get over his walking out the way he did oh I uh I got this from old Gusman I thought maybe we'd have something to celebrate but would you well anyway here it is thanks Edie I can use a big drink drink Judy yeah thanks oh go ahead Judy do you you're good come in boy I'd like to meet that Frank Robertson but I hang one in his jaw we'll talk about my jaw after I offer you a contract at 350 a week Mr Robertson hello Conway this my sister Judy and her partner you walked out on this before we were through I knew I'd sign you long before I walked out when you hit Broadway I'll watch you all the way to the top you're going places we'd given you up but je we we couldn't understand why you left I had to send my driver down to get you tickets on the midnight train for Louisville you'll arrive around noon Kentucky tonight that's right A friend of mine nip Harris owns the Blue Moon the smartest nightclub in Louisville he's lost his headline act the flu got him you open there tomorrow night say you uh you are married aren't you oh we sure are it just hit me I got you a drawing room I've got a lure for you Conway fine I'll drop you at the station and you can pick up the tickets and don't miss that train because if you make good with nip Harris I'll make him raise you to $500 a week he can pay it see Mr Robertson how about a short one you know the seal the bar no not now thanks I've got to hurry along you uh don't do too much of that do you oh no that's good and goodbye for now goodbye and thanks Mr Robertson I'll see you in Louisville in a week or so thank you so much Mr Robertson best of luck goodbye goodbye again I'll hurry back hey what goes on here snoopers what happened what did you say how you signed up did you get the job wait a minute wait a minute one at a time he did like it now we're leaving for Louisville tonight H hey this calls for a p that's for me but we've got to make Midnight Train we can't stay long plenty of time everybody chip in for the food and drinks G you and might take up the collection I got a couple of bottles look I got a bottle of my own clear out of here now gang and come on back we through getting dressed H come on you go [Music] a that up that's the way thanks yeah here that's mostly water take a straight [Music] [Applause] wait a minute sa look now don't get me wrong I like you st it's just that you're not putting it out for me we're awfully tired Mr Harris we just got off the train I know I know smoke one boys come on we haven't even had our breakfast that could be it now look kids Frank Robertson formed me last night that my worries were over so I thought my worries were over now I'm worried again it's all my fault Mr Harris it isn't oh and Mr Harris this is Eddie Conway our manager he's my brother hello Eddie we're having a little trouble here but I'm on your side 100% And I want to play it straight with you twoo now you'll dance here and I'll pay your Frank's price but it's only on trial I can kid you along I've got a smart Club here and everything and it has to be the best I understand I can't figure it out Frank was so sure hey did you two sort of celebrate last night by any chance did you hang one on Jim no no I didn't I only had four drinks I feel like I had 40 I hit it didn't I I'll admit I don't feel so good Joe you got any milk two milks how about you one for me did you have anything to drink last night Judy oh sure I had two or three but Jim kind of mixed his I can't most people can't you can go home boys well you two don't need any more rehearsing what you need is some good advice am I right Joe that's the way it looks I don't know Jim maybe you're the kind of a person that can't drink at all now that's up to you to find out but what's more likely you just don't know anything about drinks you think they're all the same well aren't they no boy you need to make friends with Joe here and get some wisdom you know sometimes it isn't only how much you drink it's also what you drink the knowing when to drink and everything that goes with it like what for example well I can almost bet that you skipped dinner last night and had a few straight shot you win don't ever drink on an empty stomach except maybe a cocktail or a high ball just before a meal always mix whiskey into a tall high ball and don't ever drink when you're too tired or excited or sore at somebody have pleasant surroundings make it sociable well you know how I stand on the end I like the kids but I'm not sold yet not by a long shot I'm going to run along now s you ton night I remember the first show was at 9:30 and use that second number to open with not as bad as the others don't worry his Bark's worse than his bite yeah but we were lousy at least I was there's no kidding about that well I'm thinking about tonight oh Jim you just can't get scared you're going to be fine by tonight you've got to know you will how do I know I'm going to be terrific all I know is I'm going to spend the next 9 hours kicking myself muffing a chance like we had here today on getting dressed why I never saw him blow up like that before now I get scared when he gets nerves like that that's why he's a good dancer he's too quick and thin skinned that's artist for you well I'm no potato and I'm just as scared and sick as he is how do I know we're going to be so terrific tonight how do I huh well I don't is that my kid Sister yeah they're both artists oh I've seen a lot of them the real temperament yeah well I don't like it oh I do say I love it it puts excitement into life there'll never be a dull moment around those two and now being practical men we got to figure out a way to help those kids yeah well I'm licked oh I'm not look you make him go over to your hotel and take a good solid nap for about 2 hours and I'm coming around and take you all out for a ride and old Joel keep him so busy they won't have time to worry okay okay hey I got it I know just where to go it'll knock their eyes out and yours too [Music] everybody a man to do the from do the [Music] from rehearsal that's the last thing in the world I want to do [Music]
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