The film begins with Bob Hope performing on stage with his sidekick, Percy the Penguin. While the film stars Hope, at times Percy is the best thing about the movie--mostly because it infuses a bit of fun into the film! Soon, Hope meets a blonde who apparently is in some sort of trouble (Madeleine Carroll). While it's uncertain whether she's telling the truth or is a criminal, Hope decides to help her for the noblest of reasons--she's good looking! However, for his trouble HE is soon accused of murder and the two set out on a cross-country chase to California. Why California? Well, Carroll is apparently a spy for the British and has information that could save a squadron of Boston bombers (a really crappy plane--called the Lockheed Hudson in the states but sold to the Brits). Why this takes her to California, I have no idea! During this trek, they are pursued by cops as well as a gang of Nazi spies who are intent on finding a scorpion pin on which the secrets are hidden.
Overall, this is NOT a laugh out loud sort of comedy but is more a pleasant little film--the sort of thing Hope made very well in the 1930s-50s--before his career went into hibernation about 1960 (he DID make more films after this, but they were pretty listless). Despite one reviewer calling it "one of the funniest American comedies ever made", I just can't see that. Instead, it's more of a pleasant little diversion--a nice time-passer and not even among Hope's best films. I was tempted to give the film a 6, but decided on a 7 simply because of the presence of Percy! He's the best.
Overall, this is NOT a laugh out loud sort of comedy but is more a pleasant little film--the sort of thing Hope made very well in the 1930s-50s--before his career went into hibernation about 1960 (he DID make more films after this, but they were pretty listless). Despite one reviewer calling it "one of the funniest American comedies ever made", I just can't see that. Instead, it's more of a pleasant little diversion--a nice time-passer and not even among Hope's best films. I was tempted to give the film a 6, but decided on a 7 simply because of the presence of Percy! He's the best.