71m/Not Rated
Prose (Story): The late, great W.C. Fields stars as The Great McGonigle, head of a rundown, rather shady traveling theatrical troupe who've just shown up at a small-town boarding house in time to start rehearsals for "The Drunkard". McGonigle, forever just one step ahead of bill collectors, process servers, and sheriffs, tries working his magic to charm a rich widow staying at the boarding house into backing his show, while at the same time trying to turn his own daughter Betty - part of the troupe - into a star, even as she's falling in love with an actor wannabe.
Don's (Review): I love W.C. Fields, but am woefully behind in seeing all his films, so was overjoyed to accidentally find this, uncut, on YouTube. The film starts off in typical Fields style - sarcastic humor, some very funny physical bits of business and one liners, and double entendres ... and Fields's attempt to woo the talentless but rich widow who only wants a part in the play, as well as thwart a naughty little boy McGonigle only wants to throttle, are borderline hilarious. But then, for me, the film takes a bizarre turn in regards to the widow, the end following suit with the story winding up in a way that, while it seems fitting (I guess), is also a bit of a downer. For me that, sadly, cost the film at least one star off my rating, alone. (NOTE: clicking on the image below will enable you to view the full film, not just the trailer!) 3/5 stars
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