I didn't know they made movies about scoring back in the 30s. The Jeckel/Hyde effects of Edward Everett Horton's "spanish fly" brew are a hoot. I found this gem on a miss marked double feature Bing Crosy DVD at the dollar store. The DVD titled "Road to Hollywood"/"Sound of Laughter" did not contain the film "Sound of Laughter" but instead "Reaching for the Moon" This copy contained no opening or closing titles or credits, indeed the menu screen was just a still frame from the middle of the picture with the sole option of "Play". With "zip" for information, It took me some time just to Identify the title. There is a token appearance of Bing Crosby in the film to sing one song. Fairbanks, Horton and Bebe Daniels all sparkle in this Society film about a beautiful flirt and the wall-street tycoon she taunts.

While this film was apparently issued as a musical, there is really only a single musical performance in the entire 66-minute version that I saw, lasting only about 4 or 5 minutes. The original issue apparently had more in it, and considering that it was Irving Berlin material, it's a great pity that more of it didn't remain.That being said, however, the single production number that does come along, 45 minutes into the film, is easily worth the price of admission. Not only is it the earliest extant film version of a Bing Crosby performance (and I swear he was wearing a toupee, even then!), but his solo piece was wonderfully supported by a second from Bebe Daniels, and yet a third, from a sultry-voiced woman who is no longer recalled, and all of it given life by a jazzy dance troupe — not as performers, but as actual dancers. It projects the storied Jazz Age with marvelous resonance, and is a joy to watch.

A dated but mostly pleasant comedy, "Reaching For the Moon" has a lightweight story that is carried by its stars, Douglas Fairbanks (in one of his few sound pictures) and Bebe Daniels. Fairbanks is Larry Day, a financial genius with very little social life. He becomes enchanted with Vivien Benton (Daniels), to the point where he abandons his business concerns - endangering his financial empire - to follow her on an ocean liner. Edward Everett Horton is entertaining as the valet who tries to help Day learn how to approach a beautiful woman. While dated in several respects, it is a good-natured story that moves at an agreeable pace, and it also features a singing appearance by a very young Bing Crosby. There is not a lot of depth to the movie, but it is a decent way to pass the time for anyone who enjoys vintage comedies.

Looking at this film it is impossible to understand why Douglas Fairbanks never made it as a talkie actor. He really is splendid as a high-flying businessman who gives it all up for love. Energy to burn and still striking to look at (at 48 years old - he even has a shirtless scene) his star presence is undiminished by words. But the words are actually pretty good - the film is based on an Irving Berlin musical, but only one song remains (and that is sung for no apparent reason in the middle of the film, by a baby-faced Bing Crosby.)Also good is Bebe Daniels as an aviatrix and especially fine is Edward Everett Horton as Fairbanks' valet. Their rapport and obvious affection for one another is very touching and provides for some great comic moments.And the art deco sets are to die for!