Joel McCrea, as director John Sullivan, wants to make a drama about the problems in America, rather than a comedy. When it's pointed out to him that he knows nothing of trouble or problems, he sets out to learn in "Sullvian's Travels," written and directed by Preston Sturges. This great film is a mix of comedy and drama, featuring wonderful performances. Petite Veronica Lake is McCrea's costar, and she does a great job as an aspiring actress turned hobo traveling companion.
Sullivan learns a great deal on his travels - about jumping trains for transportation, about shelters, soup kitchens, bugs, hunger, victimization, and kindness. And he learns about the power of laughter and what it means to the average Joe.
There's some great slapstick, some witty dialogue, and plenty of pathos to be had in this movie. It's interesting to note that McCrea's next film was to be with Lake - "I Married a Witch" - but he informed the studio he couldn't work with her again. So the role in Witch went to Frederic March, who recalled the experience as the worst he'd ever had. I guess for a tiny woman, she packed a wallop. So does "Sullivan's Travels," so if you haven't seen it, don't miss it.
Sullivan learns a great deal on his travels - about jumping trains for transportation, about shelters, soup kitchens, bugs, hunger, victimization, and kindness. And he learns about the power of laughter and what it means to the average Joe.
There's some great slapstick, some witty dialogue, and plenty of pathos to be had in this movie. It's interesting to note that McCrea's next film was to be with Lake - "I Married a Witch" - but he informed the studio he couldn't work with her again. So the role in Witch went to Frederic March, who recalled the experience as the worst he'd ever had. I guess for a tiny woman, she packed a wallop. So does "Sullivan's Travels," so if you haven't seen it, don't miss it.