Gildersleeve on Broadway

Gildersleeve on Broadway (1943)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

The third in a four film series based on the popular radio show finds Gildersleeve (Harold Peary) having to go to New York to try and talk a woman (Billie Burke) into not closing off her pharmacy department, which would put many smaller stores out of business. Turns out the woman falls for him as does a money-hungry blonde (Claire Clarleton), which doesn't sit too well with the real girlfriend (Ann Doran). This is the second film in the series that I've seen and once again I found myself laughing at many of the jokes. I'm not familiar with the original radio show but there's no question that Peary has a certain charm that might not work well with everyone but if you do find his routine funny then you're bound to enjoy what you're watching. I thought he was very good in the role and I really enjoyed how the played all the nervous ticks and his comebacks were usually pretty funny as well. Just take a look at the scene inside the fancy department store where the money grabber tries to keep on charging expensive items. Burke is also very good in her role and the way she plays this rather eccentric woman makes for many good laughs. Doran's role is pretty bland but Clarleton gets a few good moments. Richard LeGrand returns as Mr. Peavey and gives some very funny moments including one where he goes in drag. The film has some rather strange bits of humor centered around people thinking that Gildersleeve and Peavey are gay as they're both staying in the bridal suite. This jokes gets continued out when a window washer peeks in on them and thinks they're being romantic. This joke gets played out quite a bit and it's funny but not something you'd expect to see so openly in a film like this.