Silly Billies

I've been watching Wheeler and Woolsey movies for about fifteen years, but was only able to see this one just last month. First, many thanks to TCM for allowing this film to be shown--finally!

That being said, I must say that I was prepared to be entirely disappointed with this film. I had seen nothing but negative reviews or comments about it. In contradistinction to this, I was surprised that I did actually enjoy the film. I might even go so far to say that it is one of the best of W & W's "last five" films.

The film's first half had a certain quirkiness that did not exactly produce bellyfuls, but that had an agreeable sardonic aspect. The second half was less satisfying, but I could not help thinking that it seemed odd for the duo to be involved in a rather realistic plot, as opposed to the feathery things that usually provide the excuse for their antics.

Thus, it seemed that the boys were participating in the real world for once, in this film anyway. I might only add the musical number was most agreeable, and leave any future viewer with the impression that this film is the post-code equivalent of "Caught Plastered" (1931), some silly lines, and a tired plot, but with good effort. I'm sure that some W & W fans might object to this analogy, but it's the best that I can make with their earlier work.