jarrodmcdonald-1 The title is more provocative than the movie itself. The story, about a college professor who gets drawn into swing music and nightclub escapades, seems like a precode leftover. Except, because the Hays Office is hovering over the production, it doesn't get too shocking; in fact, everything stays relatively tame. Dick Powell has the main role, but since it was his last film at Warners, he was "demoted" and given second billing under Ann Sheridan who doesn't turn up until the 23-minute mark, then disappears for stretches at a time. Sheridan is cast as a sultry singer, and she is truly a knockout; it's a shame she and Powell didn't get a chance to do more pictures together. NAUGHTY BUT NICE has some amusing moments, and these are generally furnished by the character players. Helen Broderick is on hand as Powell's bohemian aunt; ZaSu Pitts plays another aunt, of the more straight-laced variety; and Jerry Colonna appears in a fun musical segment. The plot, if we can call it one, hinges on Powell coming out of his shell. But it doesn't seem to take much to turn his world upside down. This is evidenced in a scene where for the first time in his life he's had too much to drink and ends up hanging from a chandelier. The wild display is caught on film by a newspaper photographer, which quickly leads to a meeting with the aunts who disagree about how he should conduct himself. A short time later, he's back on the prowl hanging out with Sheridan, who takes advantage of his sweetness. She invites him up to her apartment and proceeds to help him get drunk again. We know this will lead to other things that could disgrace the family and probably jeopardize his job at the college. It's not as pedestrian as it sounds. And despite a script that doesn't really challenge the cast, they all manage to make a decent effort and provide a solid, swinging piece of entertainment.

bradkrt By 1939, movie audiences were well acquainted with Dick Powell's singing talents. The absence of Powell's crooning in "Naughty But Nice" (NBN) probably wasn't a disappointment to movie-goers, and they were likely amused by his performance, which was against type. Theater audiences in 1939 wouldn't have expected Powell's character, uptight college professor and composer Donald Hardwick, to put in a singing performance in this film.Don't miss the scene early in NBN that takes place in the dining room of the Hardwick home, as Donald's aunts reveal why they haven't spoken with their sister in years. Listen closely to the dialogue as they reveal the story of the brash musician she married, his instrument of choice, his nickname, and the title of the last song he performed before his untimely death. That dialogue had to have spawned at least a few laughs in theaters in 1939.

mochsed Supposedly this movie contains a "thanks" to Mozart, and supposedly the song "Have a Dream on Me" is based on something from Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute." But as far as I can tell, the song is not based on Mozart and anyway, I've read that it was written for the film but then not used.The soundtrack lists various composers but not Mozart. Can anyone straighten me out about all this? I've never seen the movie, but if anyone can suggest where I can get a copy, I'd be most grateful.Thanks!

tarpoff I don't place comments on most of the movies I watch (and I am a major film buff, particularly the classics of the late 30's, 40's and 50's, but I felt it necessary here as most of the comments are based on viewers with a Dick Powell focus. Powell's heyday was a little prior the timeframe of my expertise so I am not commenting upon those comments, however, Ann Sheridan is one of the most underrated actresses in film and she is outstanding in this, not to mention gorgeous. The movie is more entertaining than Powell's fans have let on with the final third of the movie quite entertaining for anyone. The increasing frustration of Powell's collegiate colleagues culminating in breaking a tree limb is well done. The scene prior to the court trial with Sheridan slapping everyone repeatedly in the producer's office is outstanding and a "must see" for film fans.