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This 1941 movie tells the story of rich, big time movie director John L. Sullivan (Joel Mc Crea), who is tired of making meaningless comedy movies and decides to find out what the real world is all about to make a major dramatic movie "Brother, Where Art Thou." Dressed in rags, he starts out from Hollywood and can barely escape the papparazi following him. With only one dime, he can buy coffee and ham and eggs. But at the first diner, he meets The Girl (That's the only reference to this character played by Veronica Lake), and she becomes his companion on this journey. The story continues with freight train rides, community showers, Salvation Army feedings, and garbage can searches--until the last odor from a trash can causes the pair to abandon the struggle. The movie then returns to Hollywood, where eventually our hero finds real trouble. What has started as sort of a comedy ends up being a real drama. This movie is #61 on the American Film Institute's All Time Best Comedy List. However, it was not nominated for any Academy Awards. This is Veronica Lake's first leading actress movie. She fooled the casting directors in getting the part by hiding her pregnancy. Edith Head was forced to develop costumes that hid the pregnancy. Nevertheless, she is beautiful in this movie with her trademark "swept across the forehead" blonde locks despite the rags that she wears for a major part of it. This movie is well worth your time. It is Preston Sturges' masterpiece.Read full review
Preston Sturges' Sullivan's Travels (1941) is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. Starring Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake, it's the story of a Hollywood director named Sullivan (McCrea) who impersonates a hobo to learn about trouble in order to give authenticity to his next film, O Brother, Where Art Thou? After several hilarious, failed attempts to escape Hollywood, Sullivan finds real trouble, and his chances to escape and return to his former life are dim. When Sullivan has nothing left and little hope, he gains valuable insight into what really matters and how humor can uplift the spirit. This classic film combines slapstick comedy with a heartfelt message about the importance of laughter in our lives. McCrea and Lake give superb performances, and the writing and direction are up to Sturges' usual, high levels. I recommend Sullivan's Travels to everyone, as it is sure to be among the most outstanding and meaningful films you will ever see.Read full review
What a great genre. Love the dialogue " Don't get Ritzy ", I' d look into your bridgework', The interchange when she meets him in the diner. There's a simple quality and elegance to this scene. A time when someone down on their luck would still look after the other guy. Though the film makes a few salient points about society it cleverly cloaks it with slapstick and escapism which was such a vital survival mechanism during the thirties. This explains why Shirley Temple was such a phenomenon. The actors are great, the character actors are wonderful. A really enjoyable snapshot of a bygone age.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This movie definitely lives up to its 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating. I was surprised I hadn't heard of it before. It is a very good film that rises to greatness by the time it reaches its conclusion. I highly recommend it to anyone who has not yet had the privilege of viewing it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Was expecting a light hearted fluff piece. Instead was a serious look at flawed thinking. There is some good humor on the road to enlightenment.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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