So You Want to Build a House

Any time I watch Joe McDoakes, it gets me thinking about Edgar Kennedy, who also had a long series of comedy films, beginning in the 1930s. Kennedy was from the school of Laurel and Hardy, slapstick and hard knocks -- however -- the theme was the same. The little guy getting CRUNCHED. Likely, producer and director Richard L. Bare took some notes.

I agree, this classic short came out during the post war housing boom and bust. Too many folks looking for apartments and houses all at once. Yes, Joe and Alice fit squarely in that category, in fact, about to be kicked out of their apartment for NOT paying the rent.

So what to do? This time it's Alice who has the master plan. All Joe has to do is go to the bank, get a loan and BUILD his own pre-fab house. Prefabricated homes were quite popular at the time, where you could basically build a home by yourself?

Joe McDoakes style?

One problem, maybe two or three... Poor Joe has to go through lots of expensive red tape... First, a loan manager at the bank, then someone else, then another someone else, and what about the dreaded building inspector when his castle(?) is finally constructed? LOTS to cram into 11 minutes, but this is silly fun, and George O'Hanlon is a laugh out loud victim o' circumstances, just like Edgar Kennedy.

PS; Keep an eye on Mr. McGoon(?) and Happy Jack?

Witty script and direction by Richard L. Bare, who became famous directing GREEN ACRES. Art Gilmore (known for HIGHWAY PATROL) lends that "professional" voice.

Remastered on Warner Brothers dvd, featuring the entire series. Thanks much to TCM for bringing these oldies back.

A short about a couple trying to get a place of their own. The husband searches out loans from shady or idiotic characters. Never mind there were no horse-laughs among all the over-acting. I didn't even smile at any of the scenes. Doubt if you will either. Don't be afraid of missing anything here - skip it

Today, more famous for being the voice of George Jetson, George O'Hanlon portrayed everyman Joe McDoakes in sixty shorts from 1942 till 1956. "So You Want To Build A House" is typical of these one-reelers filled with lowbrow slapstick and often corny humor, yet still harmless fun for the family getting ready for the main feature to begin.

Made in post-World War II America when returning servicemen and their families (the baby boomers) were searching for homes during a national housing shortage, "So You Want To Build A House" was timely and even lampooned the prefab craze of the day.

While no Groucho Marx, George O'Hanlon had his moments, plus he fit his character well, actually looking and acting like a Joe McDoakes. His devoted wife, Alice (Jane Harker), stood by her man through all Joe's mishaps. Many times narrator Art Gilmore would interject comments, making transitions from one misadventure to another easier for the audience to comprehend.

"So You Want To Build A House" has several colorful characters thrown in to add to the shenanigans, a particular delight is Happy Jack the Laughing Irishman (Ralph Peters), a typical loan shark who nearly dies laughing as he attempts to send Joe to the poor house.

Joe McDoakes is going to be evicted and must look for another place to live. His wife insanely believes they can just build a house and move there...even though they have less than 30 days until their lease is expired. Having few options, Joe's 'friend' at work offers to help them....and each time he does so, the McDoakes' are less than satisfied with the result. In short, the friend is an opportunistic jerk.

This short film came just after "So You Want to Rent an Apartment"....one of the best Joe McDoakes pictures. However, while enjoyable its laughs seem a bit forced and isn't nearly as fun as its predecessor. Worth seeing, perhaps, but not among the better films.

So You Want to Build a House (1948)

** (out of 4)

Joe McDoakes (George O'Hanlon) is about to be evicted from his apartment because he can't pay rent so he decides to get a loan and build a house. Of course nothing goes as planned as soon one issue after another comes up. MGM made sixty-two of these shorts but this one here is a lesser entry in the series. The biggest issue is that there really aren't too many laughs as the screenplay really felt rushed as if someone thought of decent ideas but never tried to make them funny. O'Hanlon is his usual, goofy self and narrator Art Gilmore was always a nice addition.