Bowery to Bagdad

Still watching the Bowery Boys these days, and they're still fun. BOWERY TO BAGDAD has to be one of their more kooky episodes, only because as the series progressed, particularly in the 1950s, the plots became more insane and Huntz Hall was unleashed to do whatever he wanted to do!

Credit veteran comedy writer and director Edward Bernds, whose name may be familiar because he directed scores of Three Stooges shorts. There was a marked difference between the Bowery Boys films of the 1940s and the 1950s. Originally, the films had a comedy/drama slant, but by the next decade, all that went by the wayside with the Bowery Boys more comic book characters and with a sci fi or supernatural theme, case in point here. They conjure up a magical genie.

The series also had many notable character actors and Eric Blore, in his last film role, was well cast and probably well paid for his funny portrayal of a genie, who also gets drunk. Gorcey's father, Bernard, who played Louie, worked well with Blore; they both chewed up the scenery in one super scene.

But it's Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall who set off the fireworks with a host of one liners and crazy situations. Thankfully, Warner Brothers acquired the rights to these comedies and first sold part of the series on vhs, but now all episodes come in dvd box sets and in mint condition, with no edits. So, yes, still crazy after all these years. We love them.

In a New York City hock-shop, Huntz Hall (as Sach Jones) purchases the legendary "Aladdin's Lamp", which had been missing from Bagdad. He brings it to "Sweet Shop" owner Bernard Gorcey (as Louie Dumbrowsky) as a gift. While polishing the lamp, Mr. Hall discovers its magic powers. Hall's first wish is for six malted milkshakes; although, lamp slave Eric Blore (as the Genie) suggests gold, diamonds, and dancing girls. Upon meeting Leo Gorcey (as Slip Mahoney), Mr. Blore must serve two masters. But, before "The Bowery Boys" can wish up a million dollars, criminal elements conspire to steal the magic lamp…

Once again, "The Bowery Boys" fight off the frequently evident (as recently as "Jungle Gents") law of diminishing returns. As usual, ageing "Boys" Gorcey and Hall make an unequal quartet, with David "Condon" Gorcey (as Chuck) and Benny "Bennie" Bartlett (as Butch) taking the way back seat. Still, the "Bowery to Bagdad" story moves well, and hits a few high marks. The "special effects" (Genie "magic" and a "ledge" sequence) are nicely staged, and add to the entertainment. Best of all is Blore's droll, boozy "Genie" - it's a swell career-ending role for the retiring Eric Blore.

****** Bowery to Bagdad (1/2/55) Edward Bernds ~ Huntz Hall, Leo Gorcey, Eric Blore

In ancient Bagdad, Aladdin's lamp goes missing and the ruler orders an exhaustive search. Generation after generation, his men continue the search. In modern New York City, Sach buys the magic lamp from a pawn shop. Gangsters are threatening Louie so that he would sell the shop. Sach releases the Genie and is granted wishes. The gangsters intend to steal it.

The concept should be funnier. I expected wackier wishes being granted. It's all a little disappointing. I'm not saying that The Bowery Boys is high concept comedy. I do wish that this is smarter with a fun premise. I also never like comedies which resort to gun fire. The last wish is probably the only good one.

The title is misleading: about 95% of "Bowery to Bagdad" takes place in a New York penthouse, where people are running around knocking each other on the head. As you can gather from that description, this is not exactly the fantasy epic you might expect from a movie about a magic lamp and a centuries-old genie. There also seem to be no consistent rules for when the genie can appear - sometimes you have to rub the lamp, sometimes he appears at his own will. With that said, Eric Blore, with his dry delivery as the genie, is the best thing in the film. There are also some nice special effects. ** out of 4.

Bowery to Bagdad (1954)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Good ol' Sach (Huntz Hall) finds a weird looking lamp and when he rubs it a genii (Eric Blore) pops out. Sure enough he soon has mobsters after him trying to get their hands on the genii but Slip (Leo Gorcey) has plans on making them rich. BOWERY TO BAGDAD is pretty much what you'd expect from a Bowery Boys film as it contains a minor amount of laughs but what really keeps the film moving is its fast pacing from director Bernds. The film itself really isn't all that original as we get the tired formula of the boys discovering something that's going to make them rich and of course bad guys find out and come after them. It's amazing how many times this storyline has been transformed in the series but with this being number thirty-six I guess you have to expect some things repeating themselves. The story itself really isn't all that funny but we do get a few good moments including poor Sach using his wish to order up some milkshakes. Another funny gag finds a hat pulled down over his nose to where he can't see and he ends up walking out on a high ledge of a building. Both Hall and Gorcey are fine in their roles with both going well over the top in terms of energy. Bernard Gorcey doesn't get too many good scenes but the one where he gets drunk with the genii was pretty good. This turned out to be the final role for Blore and he too is pretty good as the genii. The lack of laughs don't hurt the film too much because the director keeps all the action happening quite fast and things move along very quickly. The 64-minutes goes by without any slow spots so that's always good in a "B" film like this.