4.0 out of 5 stars
A Happy Depression, August 24, 2007
This review is from: Mr Skitch [VHS] (VHS Tape)
"Because I'm your friend, I'll give you fifty dollars for it."
"Could you give me sixty and be my enemy?"
Mr. Skitch is your typical Depression era story, although the film is quite rare. Usually, Hollywood avoided such sad topics and moved on to a lighter fare, but Will Rogers' popularity as an average man made it possible for audiences to connect happily to the character. As a result, this film features events very much like The Grapes of Wrath, but instead presents them lightheartedly and ends happily.
The Skitch family has been uprooted; the local bank has foreclosed and lost off of the family's money. Unhappily, the gang packs up into their car, and makes way for California, the land of dreams. Mr. Skitch (Rogers) is in charge, Mrs. Skitch (Zasu Pitts) takes care of the food and the children, the twins Winnie and Minnie (or is it Minnie and Winnie?) describe every location they visit like travelling Encyclopedias, Little Ira (Wally Albright) questions the validity of everything, and Emily (Rochelle Hudson) falls in love. Lots of minor events occur, but the general feeling is of optimism in spite of the desperate times.
The cast is great, especially Rogers who carries the film on his shoulders. His popularity has dissipated over the years, but at the time of this movie, he was one of the most beloved men in America. It's funny how things can change, but his appeal has not. See this film and judge for yourself.
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