Is New Faces Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1954)

📖 The Core Premise

New Faces stands as a 1954 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Music, Comedy landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "New Faces was a musical revue with songs and comedy skits tied together by a quirky plot. It ran on Broadway for nearly a year in 1952 and was then made into a motion picture in 1954. It helped jump start the careers of several young performers including Paul Lynde, Alice Ghostley, Eartha Kitt, Carol Lawrence, performer/writer Mel Brooks (as Melvin Brooks), and lyricist Sheldon Harnick. The film was basically a reproduction of the stage revue with a thin plot added. The plot involved a producer and performer (Ronny Graham) in financial trouble and is trying to stave off an angry creditor long enough to open his show. A wealthy Texan offers to help out, on the condition that his daughter be in the show."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Eartha Kitt's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is New Faces worth your time? If you appreciate Music, Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, New Faces is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 98 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.