Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?

Cut-rate yokel comedy from Universal, a star-vehicle for Phyllis Diller cast as a player-piano saleswoman in 1910 Kansas. Diller (in a series of inappropriately 'groovy' outfits) and bumbling inventor Bob Denver enter an auto-race to save the family farm, utilizing a souped-up buggy which is fueled by burning wood. One riotous scene (wherein Phyllis attempts to seduce banker Joe Flynn and both are sprayed with sheep dip) cannot compensate for a wearisome script laden with put-downs and anchored by a cheap, ugly presentation. Vic Mizzy's cartoony score is fun at first but, like most of "Traveling Saleslady", ends up seeming desperate and pushy. Diller's running joke (scaring horses by showing off her legs) epitomizes the pedestrian rest. *1/2 from ****

Contrary to many snobbish movie critics, Did You Hear The One About The Traveling Saleslady is a laugh riot. Phyllis Diller is in peak form in this movie. I remember it fondly as a child and I wish that it would get released on DVD. The milking machine scene alone is worth the price of admission. If you have the opportunity to see this movie, do it. Just relax and let yourself be entertained. This was one of the many movies I saw at weekend matinées as a child. It ranks right up there with Hello Down There, Fluffy, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Oliver and Boy Did I Get A Wrong Number to name only a few. Many I have forgotten in my adult years but some have stayed with me as is the case with Traveling Saleslady.Some movies are not meant to be artsy and intellectual with a message. Some are meant for pure entertainment. Phyllis Diller delivers the goods.

This is Phyllis Diller at her absolute peak of agility and wit - with sight gags you could well die for.

Phyllis' fashions alone almost steal the show - they're completely over the top, just like her character.

Fifteen years or so later Phyllis was frail enough to need to be gently assisted to the stage at Brisbane's Crest Hotel - where she convinced any doubters in the audience that she is indeed one of the all-time greatest stand-up comedy artists. 'Traveling Saleslady immortalises her devastatingly unique style.

I have been waiting for too long now for this crazy wacky movie to be released for the opportunity to buy, but yet it's nowhere to be found. Will it ever be released? Who can we contact to help get it out and released? I haven't seen it for many years now, but I enjoyed watching it every time it was on TV. It is a timeless classic movie with many great actors and actresses who helped shape TV and movies into what it is today. It's also a piece of history in a way as it helped give us a view of early country living and coming into modern technology of the day. I am also a huge Phyllis Diller and Bob Denver fan. I would really love to be able to purchase this movie!

Does anyone have it available on the old reel movies? Does anyone even show it on TV anymore? Please someone guide me to the right people to see about getting this movie out for the public to purchase! Is the movie even still in existence?

Thanks.

Lori Haun

This movie rates way up there in the far upper chuckles of our memory! Who doesn't like our beloved "Gilligan" Bob Denver, as well as our favorite funny woman Phyllis Diller, the wise cracking glory of Bob Hope's "Boy, Did I get a Wrong Number"? Combine the two and put them in the crazy old west, and you have the perfect recipe for a whoopin' good time! Denver is a very imaginative inventor, Diller a sales lady, the two team up for the business arrangement that could ignite the whole town. A definite "Must See" for zany movie buffs. Let's bring this one back from the archives and let a whole new generation enjoy it. ("Gilligan" has never gone out of date, and this is just our silly little Gilligan with a bit of the Professor thrown in!) Thanks guys for making great movies that we can remember with a smile, and a chuckle or two.