3/13/2023 0 Comments Better than skitch![]() The Skitch family is destitute after losing everything including their home, and they decide to head out to California. Sketch", because that's what it is, a series of scenes with a teeny element of a plot gluing the film together that becomes entertaining but somehow seems to be missing an important point. John Ford knew how to utilize him best on the screen, I'd suggest seeing those three films he did with Ford before seeing Mr. But Rogers himself doesn't quite come across as well here as in other films. Eugene Palette also has a nice role as drunken high roller they meet while in Nevada. Skitch, her scene with the Yellowstone Park bears displays her comedy skills at their best. Fortunately she meets Charles Starrett who had not yet become the Durango Kid on screen. Things are hardest most on eldest daughter Rochelle Hudson who has a boyfriend up and leave her because of her family's sudden poverty. He and his family like so many during the great Depression have been dispossessed of their home in Missouri and are traveling west. ![]() Skitch is brought to the screen by Zasu Pitts who plays the wife of Rogers who is the title character. For those familiar with him either by reading his columns on the issues of the day or hearing radio monologues that have been preserved they will be somewhat disappointed in a few of his films. Will Rogers during his lifetime was more than an entertainer, even a superstar entertainer, he was an American institution. It's a rare case where a DVD extra is better than the feature film! Be sure to see this one. It's a silent short starring Rogers and it's simply amazing to watch. By the way, on the DVD for this film is a DVD extra, "The Ropin' Fool". Clearly a mixed bag and a film that will likely leave the viewer feeling a bit unsatisfied. Overall, the film has some very nice moments with Rogers (it's hard not to like him) but too many superfluous moments as well. It literally went from the family on the brink of starvation to living rich and happily ever after.with no real clear path as to how and why this would happen. ![]() Instead of having a realistic ending or even a happy ending, the ending came as if by magic-like the film was missing a reel. As for the ending, it was simply terrible. But, each time the plot switched to the bratty oldest daughter and her love life, the film lost me. None of this was hilarious but pleasant-and I enjoyed watching. They decide, like much of America at the time, to head to California but instead of taking a direct route, the poor family stops at some of the more famous national parks along the way. Much of the film consists of showing the family after they lose their home. In fact, this character truly grated on me and I almost wanted to see her dad or mom (Will Rogers and Zasu Pitts) backhand this nasty, spoiled brat. Again and again throughout the film, she lies and tries to put on airs even though her family is just a normal poor Depression-era family. Most of the family took this in stride, but the oldest daughter is a spoiled jerk and was not the least bit upset for her parents or siblings but was upset because it exposed her lies about how well to do her family was. The film begins with the Skitch family getting thrown out of their home after the bank failed. This is because I knew how good his films COULD be and this one, though generally enjoyable, had a lot of problems-making it among Rogers' lesser movies. I have really enjoyed Will Rogers' films over the years and found myself disappointed with "Mr.
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