Mr. Skitch

Will Rogers during his lifetime was more than an entertainer, even a superstar entertainer, he was an American institution. For those familiar with him either by reading his columns on the issues of the day or hearing radio monologues that have been preserved they will be somewhat disappointed in a few of his films. Mr. Skitch being one of those.

What humor is in Mr. Skitch is brought to the screen by Zasu Pitts who plays the wife of Rogers who is the title character. He and his family like so many during the great Depression have been dispossessed of their home in Missouri and are traveling west. Things are hardest most on eldest daughter Rochelle Hudson who has a boyfriend up and leave her because of her family's sudden poverty. Fortunately she meets Charles Starrett who had not yet become the Durango Kid on screen.

Zasu Pitts is best in Mr. Skitch, her scene with the Yellowstone Park bears displays her comedy skills at their best. Eugene Palette also has a nice role as drunken high roller they meet while in Nevada.

But Rogers himself doesn't quite come across as well here as in other films. John Ford knew how to utilize him best on the screen, I'd suggest seeing those three films he did with Ford before seeing Mr. Skitch.