"It's a Joke, Son" is the only movie that Kenny Delmar starred in, and one of only four films that he made in his career. The other three were bit parts. So, this film has a little historical value, at least in the annals of cinema and entertainment. It's the only good portrayal of Delmar as an actor. And, it shows that he indeed could act. Millions of radio listeners who heard the humorous character, Beauregard Claghorn on "The Fred Allen Show" in 1945-1949, had a chance to see him in this 1947 film. Besides continuing radio programs, Delmar appeared in various TV series in the 1950s and 1960s, and did voice-over work for cartoons.
While this was just a B film by Eagle-Lion, it showed that Delmar could act. And, he has a fine cast of supporting actors of the day in Una Merkel as Beauregard's wife, Magnolia; June Lockhart as his daughter, Mary Lou, and Douglas Dumbrille in a frequent bad guy role as Dan Healey. He is a corrupt Northern political boss who "owned" the local state Sen. Leeds, played by Jimmy Conlin.
While the film was clearly a vehicle built on the radio character that Delmar played, it's also a light satire. Delmar's Beauregard is a diehard Confederate in the mid-20th century. This is the basis of some very funny lines, delivered in his blustery persona. He was a parody of a type of bombastic politician of the time. And, it applied as much to Northerners as it did Southerners. But the Southern drawl of Delmar's Claghorn is what radio listeners had become familiar with. Some other slightly subtle satire has to do with a hen-pecked husband and a wife who wore the pants in the house.
The plot is quite good and the humor is such that it bridges the time gaps - from the Civil War to the late 1940s, and from then until the present day. Of course, by the late 20th century, the regional distinctions of accents and cultures had pretty much disappeared in the U. S. Those who are interested in history should especially enjoy this film and its "Dixie" humor of the period. According to some critics and sources, the producers carefully avoided the hot-button social and civil rights issues of the time. So, the issues of civil rights, and racial segregation and prejudice aren't found in this film. That probably accounts for the absence of any African-Americans in the film. And, it's obvious that the comedic portrayals and satire of certain types at that time would not have worked with a broader plot that included such serious issues of the day.
And, oh yes - the film title is a line that Beauregard Claghorn often used over the air in Fred Allen's radio show.
Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Magnolia Claghorn, "What're you so happy about?" Beauregard Claghorn, "Oh, I'm sorry my dear. I didn't mean to be happy."
Magnolia, "Beauregard, I've got somethin' to tell you. From now on, I'm gonna wear the pants in this family." Claghorn, "Well, naturally, dear. I thought you were gonna tell me something new."
Claghorn, speaking to his pet, "Daisy... you're lucky to be a dog. Your trouble's are canine; mine are asinine. If you weren't a dog, I'd get a laugh on that."
Groceryman, "What can we do, Mr. Claghorn?" Claghorn, "Eliminate the North -- make the whole country South."
Claghorn, "Now, son, in my plan you simply move the Mason-Dixon line up around the Great Lakes. Make Canada the North. That way, anyone who couldn't talk with a Southern drawl would have to get a passport."
Groceryman, "Well, what about our maps, Mr. Claghorn?" Claghorn, "Maps? Did you ever look at a map? You'll notice that all the rivers run South." Grocer, "Well, that's only because of the shape of the earth." Claghorn, "Nonsense! It's because they can't stand it up North."
Claghorn, "You know we've got two states down here - South Carolina and North Carolina. North Carolina? No such place. Why don't they call it Upper South Carolina? And, I can't for the life of me understand why we've got a South Dakota up North."
Claghorn, to his dog, "Daisy, don't you know that's a Northern apple. You wanna get distemper? Drop it!" And the dog does.
Magnolia, "If that Jeff Davis comes in this house once more, I'm gonna pop up and go home to mother." Claghorn, excitedly, "You will?" Magnolia, "Oh, so you wanna get rid of me?" Claghorn, "Oh, no, dear. I only said that, I said.... I must've said something."
Claghorn, "A girl named Lincoln has no right to be from Atlanta."
Mailman Peterson, "Anyhow, Mr. Claghorn, I want you to know that you get the most interesting mail on my whole route." Claghorn, "Well, that's mighty nice of you to say so, sir."
Magnolia, "Beauregard, I could almost kiss you for that." Claghorn, "Well, thank you, my dear. It's nice of you to almost wanna kiss me." Mary Lou, "Well, why don't you kiss him, momma?" Magnolia "Hmmm?" Claghorn, "Magnolia, my blossom, prepare to defend yourself." Magnolia, "Stop it, now. Stop it!"
