Before we
start, let me say I know the world sucks.
I know about the rockets and the planes and the deaths. I am not being shallow here. I think it is important to not just focus on
the negative. That is why I am finishing
up with this stupid, goofy list. We all
need some distraction.
.
And so here
lies the movie of today – the Paleface.
I will note it was a tight race for me between this, Gentlemen Prefer
Blonds and Young Frankenstein. I am
trying to stay off movies that are too well known which ultimately pushed me
into the Paleface.
.
This is a
big Technicolor farce with Bob Hope and newly appointed sex goddess Jane
Russell. This was her first big movie
since “The Outlaw” which was released and argued with for a while for its racey
content. I am going to quote the story
overview from imdb.com, because it is spot-on.
.
Someone is
selling guns to the Indians and in order to find the culprit Calamity Jane and
a secret agent go undercover posing as man and wife. When the agent is killed
Jane recruits a new husband -- none other than innocent dupe
"Painless" Peter Potter, a totally inept dentist and confirmed coward
who's main goal is to leave the barbaric west far behind. When their wagon
train is attacked by the Indians it's Jane's sharpshooting that saves the day,
but she gives the credit to Potter making him an instant hero to the
townspeople and instant target to both the Indians and the gunrunners. Written
by A.L.Beneteau <albl@inforamp.net>
.
The plot gives
plenty of opportunity for Bob Hope to be goofy and Jane Russell to be
annoyed. Ultimately, and surprising no
one, the two end up together. Although
it is more believable than Woody Allen and..er.. anybody. They are stuck together on the wagon train
and the longer you are with someone, the less their physical looks mean to
you. It is a nice little love story in a
very funny movie that you might not have seen.
.
See the DVD,
it is beautiful. I note this because I
first saw this on the old Channel 5 in LA on a tiny screen and a washed out
print. The movie really does sing in all
its color glory.
.
