While this may not be the best of the MGM-Red Skelton comedies, it is one of the better ones, and the recent release on the Warner Archives DVD is nice and crisp.
Both Red and Bob Hope were often very good at playing cowards that somehow showed bravery, as well seeming awkward around women -- and those are 2 themes very much in evidence with Red here. His bumbling in the early scenes of the film, particularly when he finds the "Grey Spider" spy are quite funny...along with some slapstick on the stairs (how did he fall down and up stairs without hurting himself...well he did hurt himself...in his later years he often had to wear metal braces on his legs). Then there's the recurring tongue twister with the boot with buckle and the jacket with the packet. Delightfully funny and actually key to the rather sophisticated plot. And how often do you see a comedy about the Civil War? And the dueling flags scene? This is pretty funny stuff, and particularly well handled by Skelton in this film (with some behind the camera help, apparently, from Buster Keaton).
The supporting cast does its job. Arlene Dahl as the Confederate love interest to the Yankee Skelton. And while none of the other supporting actors (save one) merits particular mention, you'll recognize a number of character actors here. The one actor here who must have been very disappointed with his role was Brian Donlevy, who plays a sort of Rhett Butler-ish character. And speaking of "Gone With The Wind", not the many references to "Twelve Oaks".
Yes, this is a gem in many respects, well worth a watch, and perhaps a spot on your DVD shelf!
Both Red and Bob Hope were often very good at playing cowards that somehow showed bravery, as well seeming awkward around women -- and those are 2 themes very much in evidence with Red here. His bumbling in the early scenes of the film, particularly when he finds the "Grey Spider" spy are quite funny...along with some slapstick on the stairs (how did he fall down and up stairs without hurting himself...well he did hurt himself...in his later years he often had to wear metal braces on his legs). Then there's the recurring tongue twister with the boot with buckle and the jacket with the packet. Delightfully funny and actually key to the rather sophisticated plot. And how often do you see a comedy about the Civil War? And the dueling flags scene? This is pretty funny stuff, and particularly well handled by Skelton in this film (with some behind the camera help, apparently, from Buster Keaton).
The supporting cast does its job. Arlene Dahl as the Confederate love interest to the Yankee Skelton. And while none of the other supporting actors (save one) merits particular mention, you'll recognize a number of character actors here. The one actor here who must have been very disappointed with his role was Brian Donlevy, who plays a sort of Rhett Butler-ish character. And speaking of "Gone With The Wind", not the many references to "Twelve Oaks".
Yes, this is a gem in many respects, well worth a watch, and perhaps a spot on your DVD shelf!