Never Give a Sucker an Even Break
Director: Edward F. Cline
Actors: W.C. Fields, Gloria Jean, Leon Errol
PlotAt the heart of the story is a bumbling screenwriter who pitches an outlandish and absurd script to a film studio executive. The narrative follows the screenwriter as he concocts a bizarre tale filled with improbable adventures and fantastical situations, often interrupting reality with his vivid imagination. His story includes a daring escapade where he discovers a hidden cliff-top estate, complete with eccentric inhabitants and a series of comedic mishaps. Despite his earnest attempts to sell his screenplay, the executive remains skeptical of its viability, leading to a series of humorous exchanges and misunderstandings that highlight the challenges faced by creative minds in the film industry.
While attempting to showcase the potential of his whimsical script, the screenwriter becomes entangled in his own make-believe scenarios, blurring the line between fiction and reality. His niece unwittingly becomes a part of his imaginative world, contrasting her youthful innocence and singing talent with her uncle's farcical endeavors. The narrative spirals into chaos as he tries to prove that his zany ideas can succeed on screen. The story cleverly satirizes Hollywood's ambivalence towards originality and creativity within its productions, while offering slapstick humor and witty dialogue. It ends without explicitly revealing whether the screenwriter triumphs in getting his script accepted, leaving audiences to ponder the fate of his cinematic dreams.
Writers: John T. Neville, Prescott Chaplin, W.C. Fields
Release Date: 10 Oct 1941
Runtime: 71 min
Rating: Passed
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
A fascinating deconstruction, 'Never Give a Sucker an Even Break' showcases W.C. Fields' unique style in a wild, surreal narrative. Recommended.
Read our review of Never Give a Sucker an Even Break Blu-ray to find out more