While
Barbra Streisand played musical-comedy star
Fanny Brice in
Funny Girl and
Funny Lady, the closest
Brice ever came to playing a
Streisand-like role on film was in the 1930 comedy-drama
Be Yourself. The Rose of Washington Square is cast as Fanny Field, the long-suffering girlfriend of no-account, gin-swilling prizefighter Jerry Moore (
Robert Armstrong). After sacrificing everything to advance Jerry's career, Fanny is "repaid" when Jerry dumps her in favor of femme fatale Lillian (
Gertrude Astor). Our heroine gets her revenge by telling Jerry's ring opponent to "go after" her man's nose, which was recently reconstructed by plastic surgery. As a result, Jerry loses the bout, but comes to his senses, returning to Fanny for good. Highlights include
Brice's takeoff of "Dante's Inferno" and her song solo "
Cookin' Breakfast for the One I Love," co-written by her then-husband
Billy Rose. Unfortunately, the public didn't respond to
Be Yourself, and
Fanny Brice never again starred in a film, though she appeared as supporting player and guest performer from time to time. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
