The Poor Nut

Jack Mulhall plays a severely inhibited biologist who has palmed himself off as a superior athlete to win the heart of a fair coed. He gets roped into The Big Event while having no athletic talent, but wants to impress his favorite female, and so he competes.

Is there anything unfunnier than a dull silent comedy? Mulhall, who played with Astaire and Nanette Fabray in "The Band Wagon" (1953), is not up to the part and lacks the required funny bone. The wallflower who adores him is a young Jean Arthur. She is better in her role than is Jane Winton, the featured actress in the film.

I am the first reviewer of "The Poor Nut", and if film fans have any taste for good silent comedy, I should be the last.

**** 4/10 - Website no longer prints my star rating.

Shown at Capitolfest, Rome NY, 8/22.