Hokum! (The Early Sound Slapstick Short and Depression-Era Mass Culture)
THE BIG IDEA (1934)
Film Pick of the Day
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Ted Healy is the President (and sole employee) of "Big Ideas Theatrical Productions" in Hollywood. Desparately trying to come up with the "big idea" for a new picture, Healy is constantly interrupted by a stream of intruders using his office as a shortcut, a cleaning woman who uses his office as a dumpster, and three musicians who march in to play a tune every few minutes.
THE BIG IDEA was produced to find a home for MGM footage cut from earlier feature film productions, in this case, the scenes of the Three Radio Rogues and the MGM Dancing Girls. The musical number with Tut Mace and the MGM Dancing Girls performing That's the Rhythm of the Day is an outtake from DANCING LADY (1933), and the Three Radio Rogues' performance was filmed for, but not used in, the MGM feature GOING HOLLYWOOD (1933) starring Bing Crosby.
Details
Average Rating:   [ 4.38/10 ] 16 votes |
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| Featuring | Ted Healy and His Stooges |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Saturday, May 12, 1934 |
| Studio | MGM |
| Production Type | Short Subject |
| Duration | 19.25 min. |
