The Traveling Saleswoman

Joan Davis was a comedienne who could be enjoyable in a movie as a supporting actress. However, when on her own and when given second-rate material, as in "The Traveling Saleswoman", she can also be incredibly grating. So far, the only other reviewer really disliked the film...and I absolutely hated it!

Mabel (Davis) is the daughter of a man who runs a failing soap business. So, when the bank refuses to lend them any more money, she tries to help. Oddly, her scheme worked...a bit. The bank now is willing to lend them money IF they can drum up more customer orders. But the company cannot afford a good salesman and so Mabel goes on the road to try to sell soap.

The film is filled with bits that look like the most outlandish bits from "I Love Lucy" and when seen one after the other, it's painfully unfunny. But even worse is the scene with the American Indian woman who only can say 'ugh'...and she says it again and again and again...as if she is brain damaged. It's unfunny...but also one of the worst stereotypes of a native.

I must admit something. I saw most of the film but after a while I told my family that "life is too short...I can't stand watching any more" and turned it off. It's very rare I do this and I cannot say there was anything I liked about this very broadly written and acted so-called comedy. Ugghh!!