Nothing but the Truth

Nothing But The Truth with Bob Hope became Liar Liar with Jim Carrey in the '90's, I know which I prefer. Carrey's take was a slicker more professional affair but too syrupy for my taste; this hasn't got the syrup but unfortunately it also hasn't got enough gags in it either.

The gang was all there: Hope, Goddard and Best, surrounded by Edward Arnold and some of the best supporting actors/actresses around in a film directed by Elliot Nugent with high Paramount production values in attendance. The story itself takes over, with some great possibilities in it (as Carrey exploited) but it's so wordy that ultimately the whole thing backfires. Too many plot or behavioural explanations stopped any flow and make the 90 odd minutes seem a mite too long a running time. Be warned if you're a sensitive soul - the racial stereotypes are out in force from the first to the last minute.

Having said all that, I've seen it a couple of times now and enjoyed it thoroughly. The only problem is I don't feel I'll be able to watch it again too soon, rule no. 1 being Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder!

Steve Bennett, a new recruit on a brokerage firm in Miami, gets an interesting proposal from Gwen Saunders. She has ten thousand dollars that belong to a charity organization and wants Steve to double the money because her uncle, who is the head of the firm will double the amount if it is done properly. At the same time, his new boss and his inner group make Steve a counter proposal if he will not lie once during the weekend.

This funny Paramount comedy of 1941 was a vehicle for Bob Hope, who at the time was at one of the best moments of his career. It helps that he was paired, once again with the gorgeous Paulette Goddard, who had been his screen partner before to excellent results. Both Mr. Hope and Ms. Goddard do fine work as they show a natural talent for this type of comedy. Others in the cast included Edward Arnold, Leif Ericson, Glenn Anders and Grant Mitchell.

"Nothing But the Truth" was directed by Elliott Nugent who paced the comedy at the right speed making one of Mr. Hope's best film appearances.

The comedic trio of Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard and Willie Best reprise their partnership from THE GHOST BREAKERS in this screen adaptation of the perennial play. Everyone is fine in their roles and Paramount has mounted an impressive cast in support. The story is an amusing one and the writers have made some interesting choices in updating it to 1941 -- although they use the nominally Floridan setting of the movie to minimal effect. Most of the work of covering the show's stage origins is managed by fast cuts and frequent point of view changes. More than good enough.

However, while this is an amusing comedy and well performed at good speed, by a capable crew, it's not what I look for in a Bob Hope movie: I want Bob Hope, that fast-talking, cowardly, lecherous fellow given to asides. It was always a wonderful comic persona and he played it beautifully in many movies. Not in this movie, though, so if that's what you're looking for, you won't find it here. Even though you will find a few laughs along the way.

While the plot isn't believable, "Nothing But the Truth" is a pleasant little comedy and is worth seeing.

When the story begins, Steve (Bob Hope) is going to a new job working for a stock broker. His coworkers are a bit taken back because unlike his colleagues, he actually has ethics and tries to be honest with his clients' money! They are amazed...but also confident he isn't nearly as honest as he claims to be. So, they make him a bet...tell the truth ALL THE TIME for the next 24 hours. To make sure, the three guys betting against him insist he stays with them all the time so they can verify whether or not he upholds his end of the bargain. However, he's practically broke and bets the money Gwen (Paulette Goddard) gave him to invest! Along for the ride are Edward Arnold, Leif Erickson and Willie Best...who fortunately is NOT a caricature of a black man in this movie (though he often was in previous films).

Overall, while the whole plot idea is silly and tough to believe, the film is lively and fun. You never get side-splitting laughs from any of Hope's films (in my opinion) but it is good and he is as well. Well worth seeing...I almost gave this one an 8.

This is Hope's and Goddard's third and final comedy together. Similar to the musical NO, NO NANETTE it is the story of Hope who makes a bet he can say the truth for twenty-four hours. If he is successful, he wins a large sum of money that he has lost, given to him for safe keeping by Paulette.

In the attempt to get him to say the truth there are all sorts of situations and people who become involved with his escapades.

TRUTH is a wonderful screwball comedy, directed by Elliott Nugent, and the team of Hope and Goddard, fresh from CAT AND THE CANARY and THE GHOST BREAKERS, all big hits, once more brought the two stars together. They worked well together and were both by now reaching the top of their careers.

The story, however, didn't do much. Much too much the same thing about tricking Hope to say the truth. Some funny scenes where Hope, in drag, tries to sneak out of Goddard's state room on board the yacht they were guests. Some funny scenes between Hope and Willie Best, that wonderful black actor, fresh from their work together in GHOST BREAKERS, as Hope's sidekick.

Also in the cast are Edward Arnold and Leif Erickson.

This 1941 Paramount comedy is available on VHS.