User Reviews

This really should have been called "Mr. Sketch", because that's what it is, a series of scenes with a teeny element of a plot gluing the film together that becomes entertaining but somehow seems to be missing an important point. The Skitch family is destitute after losing everything including their home, and they decide to head out to California. Patriarchy Will Rogers has no real goal, and mother Zasu Pitts is so fluttery that holding the family together with these two in charge will be very difficult. Oldest daughter Rochelle Hudson is ashamed of the fact that her family is now in poverty so she pretends that everything is okay even though it is obvious that it is not. The two twin daughters are overly chatty and energetic, and nearly caused the barely working car to go over a cliff through their constant standing and pointing as it goes through the curvy roads of the Rocky Mountains. There's a young son too, but he has little to do other than warn mom of a bear when they reach a campsite.

Hudson meets soldier Charles Starrett while sunbathing near a gorgeous waterfall and pond, having accidentally falling in, and her pretentiousness in hiding her family situation makes her not very honest or likable. Then there's the presence of ham British actress Florence Desmond basically playing herself on the way to California to pursue a movie career. Desmond's finest moment comes by imitating Garbo, and at one point, comically mimicing Pitts. A stereotypical Jewish traveler, Harry Green, provides some comic relief in his sequences was Rogers, but even Rogers here has a bit of an amoral side as he does all sorts of tricks to try and get the family some money. When he ends up being lucky at gambling, the film loses a bit of credibility because it is obvious that he is around some very tough card sharks (among them Eugene Pallette), and no one questions him about the money for the chips he ends up getting.

This is a film which contains many great moments, and the traveling scenes are very enjoyable. But a film is not a complete success unless it can tell a good story, and outside of the mountainous ride that might make the view or dizzy in spite of its thrills and the contact with the bears and other similar moments, it seems to have forgotten its way. It's like expecting to pass the Grand Canyon and all of a sudden be at the Pacific Ocean because an important element of the film is definitely missing through the choppy plot. But Rogers and Pitts are always worthwhile to watch, and for the most part, the script is filled with enjoyable dialogue. So going into the film being aware that the ending doesn't really make a lot of sense will help the viewer be prepared for that. This was the first Will Rogers film in my viewing of his credits, and I remembered pretty much all of the good stuff, forgetting about the chopped out plot points. That point means that this has retained an important spot in my film watching memory, and along with "Doubting Thomas", remains my favorite of his films.

This is an excellent example of the early film making of Will Rogers. Will Rogers was the #1 male box office performer for five consecutive years until his death. All of America loved Will Rogers, and he could not have made a bad movie if he tried. People who complain about the stereotypes in his movies are shortsighted, and have no idea about the times in which he lived. People like that just need to stick to Ingmar Bergman crapola and leave real Americans alone. Will does not have to apologize to any man. All of that being said, this film is packed with humor. Will's family loses their money and tries to make their way to California. Zasu Pitts is especially funny and wonderful in the role of Will's wife. Laughs all along the way. If it ever plays on TV, do yourself a favor and catch it.