Yes It Is Chaos - Is That Necessarily Good?

BaronBl00d

Not nearly as smitten with this film as so many others apparently are(I was SO surprised!). The film brings forth that great comic duo Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson. What's that? You never heard of them? Well, neither had I before I saw this film. Laurel and Hardy. Abbott and Costello. Lewis and Martin. Even Davis and Lawford. Move over for Olsen and Johnson. Okay, I guess I am being a bit tough. These guys have some talent but this film really makes very little sense. It is suppose to make little sense. And literally(almost) throws everything at you including the kitchen sink to get a chaotic laugh from all the lack of meaning. I don't see anything profound as two guys try and get a guy with his gal while their cousin Shemp Howard controls the film. Loaded with musical numbers dispersed throughout(only the number by the servants really was any good - unless you are a fan of Martha Raye belting out songs)the film has as unconventional a storyline of any film. Is that a good thing? Maybe. It just isn't my cup of tea. I like good comedy and feel comedy has meaning behind its chaos(such as in the Marx Brothers films), but Hellzapopin just didn't land that many jokes for me. yes, I know it was a smash Broadway success. The jokes here just do not transcend time well at all, and that must have something to do with the anonymity of the comedians starring in this vehicle. I consider myself a fairly knowledgeable guy where film is concerned, but I never heard of these guys. Why? Well, enough of that. The film isn't bad and it does have some funny spots. Martha Raye is a good comedienne. Mischa Auer is very good in a Lothario type role. Olsen and Johnson have chemistry but maybe not chemistry for the camera. One side note of interest is that the film is a Universal film and one scene does have the Frankenstein monster briefly make an appearance.

score 5/10

BaronBl00d 2 July 2009

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2090021/