Planned and produced to earn the plaudits of those who shiver with ecstasy at mere mention of the word "Broadway," "Broadway Melody of 1938," current University offering, may draw the harsher criticism of those who want something more than a hodge-podge even in their musicals.

Principal difficulty apparently rises from the inclusion of too many stars. As the play producer, Robert Taylor appears in a new suit in every other scene, but isn't really allotted time to gather momentum for any convincing love-making. Eleanor Powell has too few moments for her tapping specialty; George Murphy, singer of songs, finds himself trying rather unsuccessfully to follow Miss Powell's steps; Robert Benchley doesn't say anything really funny. Only Buddy Ebsen is himself, bit player and stealer of shows.

In the co-feature, "Annapolis Salute," be it said for the general credit that the directors have presented some convincing, because honest and unsentimentalized, pictures of naval academy life. James Ellison, Marsha Hunt, and Van Heflin turn in careful performances as the principals. If one won't object to the inadequacies of the old Navy traingle of girl, rival, and loyalty to the service, the unpretentiousness of the picture will prove sufficiently gratifying.