Sullivan's Travels (1942)

I saw Sullivan’s Travels for the first time a few years ago and laughed so much, really enjoyed it, but didn’t see it again until recently. And it’s a shame because I really, really like this film. It’s so well made that I can’t say enough about it. And it’s such a good film to kind of wrap up the whole screwball comedy genre, and I’m so upset that I haven’t had time to properly watch this film this past month! So this last week I’m gonna try to take a closer look at it as best as I can.

The thing that stands out admirably so in this film is the way that it's funny. A lot of times you see stories that are funny but there are different types of funny. Some people might enjoy innuendoes while others like gross-out humor, and still others like physical comedy. What Preston Sturges shows in this film is that he's a master when it comes to comedy. He doesn't just have the dialogue so vital to a screwball comedy to back him up, he can also rely on his slapstick humor.

There are many great bits of dialogue throughout, many of which are delivered so deadpan serious that it makes you laugh. Back then at least you didn't really hear or see a parody of the filmmaking business like Sturges manages to do. It's great to see the producers being so candid about a film needing a bit of sex, and delivered with the seriousness of terminal illness. When Sullivan and the Girl meet at the diner, there we see some lovely bit of banter so reminiscent of the genre. And then there's Sullivan's crew who always come back with great one-liners. The film's filled with great dialogue but if you already know Sturges then you expected it.

But just like the dialogue, Sturges executes these great montages. There is so much physical comedy here that works well. There's this car chase scene that's reminiscent of one of those cartoon from vintage Disney or Looney Tunes, but then really thinking about it, it's more like the slapstick of silent films. This is more clear halfway through the film when Sullivan and the Girl are in the midst of the wandering homeless, and trying to survive. Their initial observations and experience are quite hilarious, more so their final reaction which is to run back home.

And what of the leads? I often think not enough love is given to Joel McCrea. He might come off a bit stiff sometimes, kinda just delivering lines a bit, but I think Sturges uses him here marvelously. And who's gonna complain about seeing a shirtless McCrea? I didn't count the times but I probably should next time. Veronica Lake is also lovely. This film was the first one I saw her in and it was refreshing considering I thought she might be a bit of a vamp. She comes off so down-to-earth and funny. I absolutely love the scene in which she and McCrea first share. She can hold up her own against him and I like her for it.

Now, considering this is mostly Joel McCrea's film, the supporting cast does a great job whenever they're on screen. Sturges uses his stock company so well that whenever they're on screen they steal the show. I enjoy watching those scenes so much just to see they're acting. The actors themselves are so in sync with one another that it adds to the hilarity and makes it go so much faster and smoother.

This very funny film is a must see for any classic film fan or comedy fan in general. Sullivan's Travels is one of those films in which you can truly appreciate the effort taken to make the film. That it's not just funny dialogue but funny to watch and with a great cast all around, makes it a memorable film and a good addition to the comedy genre.