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Year: 1945
Runtime: 78 min
Language: English
Director: Raoul Walsh
In this fantastical comedy, an angelic trumpeter Athanael is tasked with blowing the Last Trumpet at exactly midnight on Earth. However, two fallen angels and a jewel thief conspire to steal the trumpet, leading to a series of misadventures that test Athanael's determination and timing as he navigates the mortal realm.
Warning: spoilers below!
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As the delightful tunes from Paradise Coffee’s sponsored radio show filled the atmosphere, Athanael (Jack Benny), the orchestra’s third trumpet player, found himself enchanted by the melodies and gradually slipped into a dreamy state. In this ethereal space, he imagined himself as an angelic trumpeter, joyfully playing in the heavenly orchestra, filling the celestial realm with his harmonious serenades. His visions were graced by the affectionate praise of his beautiful girlfriend, Elizabeth (Alexis Smith), who was employed at the department of small planet management. It was she who entrusted him with a divine mission: to obliterate planet 339001 (Earth) along with its troublesome residents. Athanael’s trumpet playing began to carry an ominous weight as he prepared to sound the “Last Trumpet” at the stroke of midnight, heralding the world’s ending.
However, destiny had a different script in mind. Upon his arrival in the mortal realm through the elevator of the Hotel Universe, Athanael unintentionally thwarted a bold heist led by the charming guest Archie Dexter (Reginald Gardiner) and his alluring partner Fran Blackstone (Dolores Moran). Following the chaotic event, Dexter ended their partnership, placing the blame on Fran for their failed escapade. At the same time, Elizabeth sought to convince her superior to reassign Athanael to his sacred duty, which ultimately yielded results.
As the plot thickened, two fallen angels—Osidro (Allyn Joslyn) and Doremus (John Alexander)—recognized Athanael and aimed to obstruct his mission. The angel began to find it increasingly challenging to manage his trumpet amidst the tumultuous happenings of this unfamiliar world. These mischievous entities teamed up with Dexter to pilfer the instrument, capitalizing on Fran’s gratitude for her prior rescue by Athanael to further their devious agenda.
With tensions escalating, Elizabeth and her manager sprang into action, collaborating to pursue the thieves on an exhilarating chase through the Hotel Universe. In the midst of the frantic pursuit, Athanael unexpectedly fell from the rooftop, only to awaken from his surreal dream to the sweet resonance of reality softly echoing in his consciousness.
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:40
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