Jack Banney and Rochester (Eddie Anderson) really go to it in this comedy romance. The two toss barbs back and forth with ease that even outdid their frequent banter on Benny's radio show at the time. "The Meanest Man in Town" is a light comedy with a simple plot and not much of one. Benny's small-town lawyer can't make it as a lawyer at home, nor as an ambulance chaser in the Big Apple. The reason is because of his big heart. But, when circumstances happen that make him appear mean in the press, much changes.
And, from that point on, the film turns into screwball comedy. The ending is a real hoot. Edmund Gwenn has a small role, but it's one of the few in which he played the meany, or a villain or bad guy. But, because of the nature of this film, even Gwenn's nasty appearance is occasion for a chuckle.
Jack Benny was highly popular with his unique laid back humor, using long pauses with a sometimes dour and sometimes cynical persona. A Jack Benny program ran weekly on the radio from 1932 through 1948. Then he had a long-running TV series, "The Jack Benny Show," that ran from 1950 thru 1965. His movie making was sparse during the latter, but he had many appearances on other TV series and shows. Most of his two dozen films before that were box office hits.
And, from his first appearance in 1937, Eddie Anderson became a major part of Jack Benny's radio and then television shows. In the 1950s, Eddie was the highest paid African-American in radio and television. The two men were great entertainers, loved by audiences in the mid-20th century. They remained close friends until Benny's death in 1974.
The film may be far too slow for modern audiences, but those who like good old fun and comedy in films, should get a kick out of this movie.
And, from that point on, the film turns into screwball comedy. The ending is a real hoot. Edmund Gwenn has a small role, but it's one of the few in which he played the meany, or a villain or bad guy. But, because of the nature of this film, even Gwenn's nasty appearance is occasion for a chuckle.
Jack Benny was highly popular with his unique laid back humor, using long pauses with a sometimes dour and sometimes cynical persona. A Jack Benny program ran weekly on the radio from 1932 through 1948. Then he had a long-running TV series, "The Jack Benny Show," that ran from 1950 thru 1965. His movie making was sparse during the latter, but he had many appearances on other TV series and shows. Most of his two dozen films before that were box office hits.
And, from his first appearance in 1937, Eddie Anderson became a major part of Jack Benny's radio and then television shows. In the 1950s, Eddie was the highest paid African-American in radio and television. The two men were great entertainers, loved by audiences in the mid-20th century. They remained close friends until Benny's death in 1974.
The film may be far too slow for modern audiences, but those who like good old fun and comedy in films, should get a kick out of this movie.