Raise the Roof

About This Movie

So, 'Raise the Roof' is an interesting slice of pre-code musical cinema. It revolves around Rodney Langford, a wealthy guy with aspirations of being on stage, who buys this struggling revue led by Maisie Grey. The plot thickens with his father’s underhanded maneuvering, trying to derail the production via Atherley Armitage. The atmosphere shifts from hopeful to tense, and the pacing keeps you engaged as Maisie's resilience shines through. The performances have a certain raw charm, typical of the era. Though the director remains unknown, the film captures that unique blend of ambition and desperation that often defines early sound films. There are some neat practical effects, but it’s really the narrative and characters that stand out more than the technical aspects.

Raise the Roof has become somewhat of a rarity in collector circles, with its limited format history and few surviving prints. Its scarcity has certainly piqued interest among those who appreciate early sound cinema. While it may not be widely known, its distinctive themes and performances make it a noteworthy piece for those delving into the musical genre of the early 1930s.