Love, Live and Laugh (1929)

Any movie that starts Jewish entertainer George Jessel as an Italian accordionist named Luigi can’t be all bad. In love with the beautiful Margharita (Lila Lee), Luigi lands a job in the music store owned by the girl’s uncle. Ultimately, however, our hero does the Pagliacci act when Margharita evinces a preference for handsome Pasquale (David Rollins). The film’s best scene takes place in a nursery full of talented tots, a sequence that undoubtedly reminded Jessel of his days with Gus Edwards’ “Schoolroom” act. Exercising his droit du seigneur, Georgie Jessel sings the title tune.