Come Up Smiling

About This Movie

So, 'Come Up Smiling' is a rather quaint little comedy from 1939 featuring Will Mahoney as Barney O'Hara. He and his daughter, Pat, tour around the carnival circuit with their side show. The dynamic between them is quite sweet, though the pacing is a bit uneven at times. There's this scene where Pat gets to sing at a wealthy land-owner's party, but her nerves get the better of her, which adds a nice touch of tension. The performances feel genuine, particularly Mahoney's, who brings a certain warmth that contrasts with the carnival setting. It's not particularly flashy in terms of practical effects or production, but it has this cozy, small-town charm that lingers long after the credits roll.

'Come Up Smiling' is quite scarce in terms of surviving prints, making it a curiosity for collectors. The film has seen a few home video releases, but nothing extensive, so it’s often a hidden gem in the catalog of 1930s comedies. Fans of carnival-themed films or those interested in the era’s comedic styles find it intriguing, though it may not be widely known beyond niche collector circles.