Down to Earth

Returning from "They Had to See Paris" (1929), newly oil rich Will Rogers (as Pike Peters) is pessimistic about his family's indulgent lifestyle in 1930 Oklahoma. While handsome son Matty Kemp (as Ross) buys cars and wife Irene Rich (as Idy) hosts posh pool parties, Mr. Rogers wonders about the nation's economy. Millionaire socialite Dorothy Jordan (as Julia Pearson) reveals her family's gone bankrupt, breaks her engagement to Mr. Kemp, then goes on Rogers' payroll as a secretary. By 1932, the Great Depression finds Rogers and his family facing financial ruin...

Rogers' humorous and timely quips only partially lift this lifeless sequel from the doldrums. A comedy, with the "wolves of poverty at the door," for both the family on film and now penny-pinching audience wasn't what the doctor ordered. Deadpan butler Brandon Hurst (as Jeffrey) and Rogers have a funny costume scene. Gambling son Kemp and boozy blonde Mary Carlisle (as Jackie Harper) make attractive impressions. The original film's trip to Paris is mentioned several times, but nobody mentions daughter "Opal" or offers any explanation for her absence. It ends lightheartedly.

***** Down to Earth (9/1/32) David Butler ~ Will Rogers, Irene Rich, Matty Kemp, Dorothy Jordan