Bowery to Bagdad

Slip and Sach get their hands on a magic lamp with a genie (Eric Blore) inside. It's the thirty-sixth entry in the series and, while it's far from the best, it is enjoyable enough thanks in large part to the inimitable Eric Blore in his final film. Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall mostly go through the motions but they do have some amusing moments. Of course, Bernard Gorcey is funny as Louie. The rest of the gang is, as usual, background furniture. Although David Gorcey manages to get a few lines this time, so good for him. The supporting cast is what keeps the movie afloat. There's Robert Bice, Dick Wessell, and Michael Ross as three gangsters who want the lamp for themselves. Joan Shawlee plays a sexy moll and handles herself quite well with the comedy, including a couple of fun scenes bantering with Hall. Pretty much all of the movie's highlights involve Blore, a wonderful comic actor who played in over eighty films in his twenty plus years in Hollywood.

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.

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

The usual bowery boys capers, and this one has ERIC BLORE as the genie! in his very last role. Somehow.... Sach buys the magic lamp in a pawn shop, and that's the beginning of all the trouble. Leo Gorcey, his brother, and his dad of course. and Huntz Hall as the sidekick. the main plot revolves around thugs threatening Louie if he doesn't give up his shop. lots of fighting and clunking on the head. shooting. running around in circles. and Genie gets drunk with Slip's dad. yeah, who knows?? this one is a little juvenile. but it DOES have eric blore. in his very last role! so much silliness. directed by Edward Bernds. was nominated for High Society, 1957.

The fabled lamp of Aladdin with a pixie like genie has turned up in of all places, the Bowery, New York City. And who acquires the lamp? Here's a hint, it wasn't Mayor Wagner.

Bowery To Bagdad finds Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall with joint ownership of the lamp and they seal the partnership so much so that genie Eric Blore can't do anything unless they both agree. Huntz Hall being the simple soul he is wants five malteds, but Gorcey has higher ambitions, but just can't get it done.

Not that the Bowery Boys are the only ones who want the lamp. A gangster with molls Joan Shawlee and Jean Willes played by Robert Bice has gotten wind of it. And a couple of Arab looking characters are in the hunt as well. Blore kind of likes the boys, but they've tangled things up pretty good.

Bowery To Bagdad doesn't have quite the ring of Kaiser Wilhelm's fabled project of the Berlin to Bagdad railroad, but I assure you this one is a much funnier journey.