Hats Off is an enchanting musical romance from the nineteen thirties. In his first starring role, Hollywood leading man John Payne (Miracle on 34th Street) is a press agent who is opposing rival agent Mae Clarke in promoting their expositions at the Texas Centennial in 1936. The plot is cute, and merely background for a sweet romance and plenty of wonderful songs, both serious and comedic ones like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Song.” Duets, solos, and some gorgeous displays of vintage art deco architecture take center stage. Hats Off succeeds as comedy, romance, and dazzling musical all in one.
