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| Anna Nordeman |
For Underrated Treasures Blog-fest I would like to submit Preston Sturges' 1941 film, Sullivan's Travels , with Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake, as an example of a treasure, perhaps not so underrated, but well worth seeing. See YouTube's Playlist here.
The following text description is from YouTubeMovieClips
Film Description: In Preston Sturges' classic comedy of Depression-era America, filmmaker John L. Sullivan (Joel McCrea), fed up with directing profitable comedies like "Ants in Your Plants of 1939," is consumed with the desire to make a serious social statement in his upcoming film, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" Unable to function in the rarefied atmosphere of Hollywood, Sullivan decides to hit the road, disguised as a tramp, and touch base with the "real" people of America. But Sullivan's studio transforms his odyssey into a publicity stunt, providing the would-be nomad with a luxury van, complete with butler (Robert Greig) and valet (Eric Blore). Advised by his servants that the poor resent having the rich intrude upon them, Sullivan escapes his retinue and continues his travels incognito.
Sullivan's Travels (4/9) Movie CLIP - Meeting the Girl (1941) HD
En route, he meets a down-and-out failed actress (Veronica Lake). Experiencing firsthand the scroungy existence of real-life hoboes, Sullivan returns to Hollywood full of bleeding-heart fervor. After first arranging for the girl's screen test, he heads for the railwayyards, intending to improve the lot of the local rail-riders and bindlestiffs by handing out ten thousand dollars in five-dollar bills. Instead, Sullivan is coldcocked by a tramp, who steals Sullivan's clothes and identification. When the tramp is run over by a speeding train, the world at large is convinced that the great John L. Sullivan is dead. Meanwhile, the dazed Sullivan, dressed like a bum with no identification on his person, is arrested and put to work on a brutal Southern chain gang. With its almost Shakespearean combination of uproarious comedy and grim tragedy, Sullivan's Travels is Sturges' masterpiece and one of the finest movies about movies ever made.
Best wishes,
Anna
7 comments:
I have never heard of this one, but I sounds pretty fascinating!
I've heard of Sullivan's Travels, but I've never seen it. Thanks for sharing!
Oh this is one of the best comedies of all time! It also reflects the hardships of the people and this films works well even today. Veronica Lake should be happy she was in such a film and Joel McCrea was my dream boat guy
Haven't hard of this one. Sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing your movie pick for the Underrated Treasures Blogfest.
Hi Anna. I love Depression-era movies and books, but haven't heard of this one. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I know Veronica Lake though.
Hadn't heard of this one, thanks for sharing!
Interesting selection. Thanks for sharing.
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