W. C. FIELDS may be the last we shall ever see of this unique breed of artist, where writer and comedian merge into a character bigger than life itself. There is supercilious wit beyond mere dialogue, slapstick where necessary, and above all, Fields himself as both the antagonist and protagonist. The film may be forgotten in time, but "The Old Fashioned Way" is still as funny today as it was when it was initially released in 1934.
In "The Old Fashioned Way" Fields plays "The Great McGonigle," much like a P. T. Barnum on steroids. Fields as always is up to no good, but in a delightfully unhinged sort of way, drinking, smoking, and evading legal subpoenas with pure finesse and grand style.
Everything Fields does or says carries with it a kind of childish lunacy. There really isn't much of a plot to "The Old-Fashioned Way" which makes the film even more timeless than its 87 years. But nevertheless, it's perfect, wholly classic, and undeniable unapologetic.
In "The Old Fashioned Way" Fields plays "The Great McGonigle," much like a P. T. Barnum on steroids. Fields as always is up to no good, but in a delightfully unhinged sort of way, drinking, smoking, and evading legal subpoenas with pure finesse and grand style.
Everything Fields does or says carries with it a kind of childish lunacy. There really isn't much of a plot to "The Old-Fashioned Way" which makes the film even more timeless than its 87 years. But nevertheless, it's perfect, wholly classic, and undeniable unapologetic.