"Chip Off the Old Block" isn't a hidden gem of Hollywood that's waiting for someone to discover. But it is a good film to show the talents of Donald O'Connor, as well as Peggy Ryan. The comedy is so-so, and enjoyable, and the rest of the cast has some familiar faces that make it a comfortable film. Arthur Treacher and Helen Broderick help in that quarter.
The plot isn't anything original and the screenplay is just so-so. What make this film is the singing and dancing. O'Connor was just 18 years old when this film came out. While he had been in 20 films already, including some with big stars of the day, this is one of the first of several films that will showcase the talented dancer and singer. Peggy Ryan, too, had been in a bunch of films before this, but her career tapered off fast after the mid-1940s, and she ended her career early in television.
Here are some favorite lines form this film.
Dean Manning, "You know, I ought to expel you. But on the other hand, I don't want the other schools you've attended to think that I'm a copycat."
Glory Marlow Sr., "Oh, if you boys want a drink, just help yourself." Blaney Wright, "Got any arsenic?" Henry McHugh, "With a carbolic chaser?" Glory Marlow Sr., "Yep. On the top shelf."
Glory Marlow Sr., "I went on the roller coaster, the magic carpet, the whip." Henry McHugh, "At your age? Something wrong with your mind?" Glory Marlow Sr., "No. But that's the only part of me that there isn't something wrong with."
Donald Corrigan, "Hey, dad's here. Is he all right?" Porter, "In your language..." Donald, "He's on the beam, in the groove, and cookin' with gas."
