Film & Shorts Discussions > Random Comedy Reviews

The Cuckoos (1930) - Wheeler and Woolsey

<< < (5/5)

HomokHarcos:
Like a few early talkie comedies the plot doesn't seem too matter at all, it's just an excuse to move the film along in between the musical numbers and comedy set-pieces.

I've found Bert Wheeler to be very likeable as a comedian and romantic lead, he has that childlike innocence to him, and Dorothy Lee really was the perfect supporting actress for him. The "I love you" song was very endearing, it's still in my head as I type this. But, yeah, the other romantic lead was not needed at all. I almost forgot about them after watching this film.

This movie is more like Abbott and Costello's early films that it revolves around comedy sequences that aren't part of the plot, but it's fun to see them nonetheless. I had assumed that they were comedy partners for years on stage, turns out they were only in Rio Rita together, and there were no plans for them to continue on as a duo. (In fact, according to the Wheeler and Woolsey book RKO were only interested in signing on Bert Wheeler immediately). The stage play was performed with Clark and McCullough.

My favorite sequence was the bed seen near the end with all the people popping in and out of the room, with the duo reacting to them. It reminds me of Men in Black with all the goofy characters. The seen where they are getting chased by the villain and the crew only to get knocked out is very Stooge-like, and perhaps if there was a Wheeler and Woolsey short just involving that scene I think it would have been a great introduction.

I'd also liked to give a shoutout to Jobyna Howland, certainly a highlight of the film! Works well with both Wheeler and Woolsey.

These first two movies haven't been perfect, but Wheeler and Woolsey and their main supporting cast has been stellar, I'll see where they go from here. I think there's great potential.

metaldams:

--- Quote from: HomokHarcos on December 26, 2023, 04:43:28 PM ---
These first two movies haven't been perfect, but Wheeler and Woolsey and their main supporting cast has been stellar, I'll see where they go from here. I think there's great potential.

--- End quote ---

I’m not a DIXIANA fan, but after that, I think Bert and Bob had a nice little run of mostly good pre code films.  They fizzle out a bit when the code kicks in, in my opinion.  I rewatched PEACH O RENO a few weekends ago and really enjoyed it.  Looking forward to your thoughts on future films.

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