“Hell, I never vote for anyone. I always vote against.” ~ W.C. Fields
In a time of such extreme repugnant violence in the world, I thought it might be worth taking a break to remind ourselves that there are still sources of timeless, gut-busting laughter. Consider this a brief but essential antidote to the ever-present, soul-crushing hate we see in the media — and life.
W.C. FIELDS COMEDY ESSENTIALS COLLECTION
If ever there was a one-of-a-kind American comic genius, William Claude Dukenfield – better known as W.C. Fields — was it. Sure, we have many home grown actor-writer talents we call loosely call “genius,” but Fields’ acerbic brilliance, housed in an unlikely, unattractive body, pretty much stands alone as an enduring reminder of the put-upon, misunderstood, everyman (and woman).
Fields’ personal story is as fascinating – maybe “sad” is a better word – as any he wrote for his on-screen persona that consistently twisted tragic or pathetic circumstances into comedy. He embellished his early years when he told and retold his story. Soit’s hard to know for certain the reality, but there seems to be a painful element that persisted in all the tellings. What is known for sure is that he was obsessed with juggling after seeing a stage act as a teen. He persisted in the practice of the craft and it brought him early vaudeville fame. He had a decidedly, almost poetic, physical grace as a silent juggler. On screen, his most recognizable trademarks were his croaky, rasping drawl and a faux eloquent vocabulary. And, of course,his drinking. He was an alcoholic on screen and off. He died in 1946 of alcoholic related stomach bleeding.
By far Fields’ greatest gift was an intuitive understanding that the source of all comedy was not in the least funny. The humor’s always in how one processes the tragedy.
This DVD set is a great single compendium of Fields’ best work. My only complaint is the level of compression (lower bitrate) needed for cramming these 18 titles on only five discs. Movie buffs have become spoiled with superb hi-def transfers of many vintage home theater titles, thus making the grain and video “noise” on this set even more noticeable. Universal is famous for manufacturing the cheapest product possible for some of their older titles. Certainly at this stage of technically enhanced video upgrades there’s now a substantial global market for restored Blu-ray editions of Fields’ films. Even so, Fields’ quick sarcastic wit, adroit slapstick and surprising physical grace remain in full force.
This wonderful collection of Fields’ classic films were all made between 1932 and 1941. But they are hardly dated in their often dark and sometimes inappropriate humor. The titles include:
“Million Dollar Legs” (1932)
Barely balancing on the verge of bankruptcy, the stressed President of remote Klopstokia — Fields of course — is talked into entering his country in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics as a means of fund raising. 62 minutes.
“If I Had a Million” (1932)
A dying tycoon, disappointed with his family and friends, decides to give away his fortune in 51 million increments to strangers he randomly picks in the city’s directory. 84 minutes.
“International House” (1933)
After a scientist invents the first TV, a cast of characters from around the world that includes Fields, George Burns, Gracie Allen and Bela Lugosi clamor to purchase China’s International House Hotel. 69 minutes.
“Tillie and Gus” (1933)
Professional cardsharps Augustus Winterbottom (Fields) and his wife Tille come to the small town of Danville in the hopes of acquiring an inheritance. 58 minutes.
“Alice in Wonderland” (1933)
Alice’s bizarre adventures lead her to some now familiar characters played by Hollywood icons Fields, Gary Cooper and Cary Grant. 77 minutes.
“Six of a Kind” (1934)
Because of their limited resources, a married couple shares a road trip with zany strangers played by George Burns and Gracie Allen! They all get into big trouble with a local sheriff (Fields). 67 minutes.
“Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch” (1934)
While patiently waiting for her husband to return after three years, poor Mrs. Wiggs tries to help her spinster friend by placing an ad for a mail order groom (Fields), only to end up with more troubles. 80 minutes.
“You’re Telling Me!” (1934)
Sam Bisbee (Fields) is an eccentric inventor whose best inventions are put to the test when he accidentally ruins both his daughter’s wedding and his own chances for success. 67 minutes.
“The Old Fashioned Way” (1934).
Always one step ahead of the law and one step behind on his bills, Fields is the Great McGonicle who, with his touring theatrical troupe struggles to put on “The Drunkard.” 72 minutes.
“It’s a Gift” (1934)
After getting a small inheritance, Harold Bissonette (Fields) sells his grocery business, buys an orange ranch and moves his ungrateful family to sunny California only to discover he’s been hoodwinked. 69 minutes.
“Mississippi” (1935)
Set in the Old South, Bing Crosby’s a disgraced gentleman who takes a singing job on a riverboat where the captain (Fields) true to teach him the meaning of honor. 74 minutes.
“Man on the Flying Trapeze” (1935)
Ambrose Wolfinger (Fields) finds himself in one disastrous mishap after another when he cuts loose and rebels against his overbearing family and dead-end job for a day. 66 minutes.
“Poppy” (1936)
Eustace McGorgle (Fields), the best con-artist to ever hit the carny circuit, attempts to snatch a massive estate by marring off his pretty daughter to the heir. 74 minutes.
“The Big Broadcast of 1938” (1938)
Rival twins (Fields in a duel role) each own ocean liners and race to beat each other in this unexpectedly lavish musical featuring Bob Hope (in his movie debut!), Martha Raye and Dorothy Lamour. 91 minutes
“You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man” (193
Larson E. Whipsnade (Fields) is the ringmaster of a seedy circus. His daughter is torn between a wealthy cad who can help her father and a charming but poor ventriloquist who can’t. 79 minutes.
“My Little Chickadee” (1940)
In an effort to restore her tarnished reputation, voluptuous Flower Belle Lee (Mae West) accepts a marriage proposal from Cuthbert J. Tillie (Fields). The inspired teaming of Fields and West energizes this exceptional anti-romantic comedy. 84 minutes.
“The Bank Dick” (1940)
Dividing his time between the Black Pussy Café and his dreaded (and dreadful) family, lowly bank guard Egbert Sousé – that’s pronounced “soo-ZAY” – suddenly succumbs to the unexpected winds of fate, Hollywood and the good life! 72 minutes.
“Never Give a Sucker an Even Break” (1941)
After failing to close deal on a movie idea with Esoteric Studios, the Great Man (Fields) takes off on an adventure with his niece that’s wilder than anything he could have pitched or imagined. 71 minutes.
