Mr. Skitch (1933)

What makes it different from others?

Such a frustrating disappointment

recommended

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

I have really enjoyed Will Rogers' films over the years and found myself disappointed with "Mr. Skitch". 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.The film begins with the Skitch family getting thrown out of their home after the bank failed. 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. 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. 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.Much of the film consists of showing the family after they lose their home. 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. None of this was hilarious but pleasant--and I enjoyed watching. But, each time the plot switched to the bratty oldest daughter and her love life, the film lost me.As for the ending, it was simply terrible. 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. 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.Overall, the film has some very nice moments with Rogers (it's hard not to like him) but too many superfluous moments as well. Clearly a mixed bag and a film that will likely leave the viewer feeling a bit unsatisfied.By the way, on the DVD for this film is a DVD extra, "The Ropin' Fool". It's a silent short starring Rogers and it's simply amazing to watch. It's a rare case where a DVD extra is better than the feature film! Be sure to see this one.

This is an excellent example of the early film making of Will Rogers. Will Rogers was the #1 male box office performer for five consecutive years until his death. All of America loved Will Rogers, and he could not have made a bad movie if he tried. People who complain about the stereotypes in his movies are shortsighted, and have no idea about the times in which he lived. People like that just need to stick to Ingmar Bergman crapola and leave real Americans alone. Will does not have to apologize to any man. All of that being said, this film is packed with humor. Will's family loses their money and tries to make their way to California. Zasu Pitts is especially funny and wonderful in the role of Will's wife. Laughs all along the way. If it ever plays on TV, do yourself a favor and catch it.

Having heard so much and read so many profound and witty sayings by Will Rogers, I was anxious to see him on film. I expected this movie to be funny, or at least touching. What I got was mainly a boring movie.A family loses its house and possessions, due to bank incompetence....and nobody is upset! They just jump in the car and head to California.For the most part, the humor is stupid and the film moves too slowly. That's the problem with a lot of comedies. Comedy seems to date itself a lot more than other genres.It was fun, however, to see Zasu Pitts and Rochelle Hudson in here.

Many of the family banter i remember in my family comes from this time and these type of movies. Here is some of the grit and emotion that helps Americans get through tough times. One funny scene is the first time Will and his family encounter a British woman, He seems 6 inches shorter than her and a quick quip by his wife is that the british woman is from sweden. :) His ability to adapt to situations is evident in people today. Some scenes are hard, like the scene with the Indian (but that is not very harsh) and the one with Mr. Cohen, but Mr. Cohen himself is shrew as well, so there is a balance to the characters. His free-wheeling spirit is evident in the first 15 minutes with the scene where he takes his family for a joy ride down a mountainside to establish his confidence and up-beat fun loving side with his children. A fun movie.