Mr. Skitch

I have really enjoyed Will Rogers' films over the years and found myself disappointed with "Mr. Skitch". This is because I knew how good his films COULD be and this one, though generally enjoyable, had a lot of problems--making it among Rogers' lesser movies.

The film begins with the Skitch family getting thrown out of their home after the bank failed. Most of the family took this in stride, but the oldest daughter is a spoiled jerk and was not the least bit upset for her parents or siblings but was upset because it exposed her lies about how well to do her family was. Again and again throughout the film, she lies and tries to put on airs even though her family is just a normal poor Depression-era family. In fact, this character truly grated on me and I almost wanted to see her dad or mom (Will Rogers and Zasu Pitts) backhand this nasty, spoiled brat.

Much of the film consists of showing the family after they lose their home. They decide, like much of America at the time, to head to California but instead of taking a direct route, the poor family stops at some of the more famous national parks along the way. None of this was hilarious but pleasant--and I enjoyed watching. But, each time the plot switched to the bratty oldest daughter and her love life, the film lost me.

As for the ending, it was simply terrible. Instead of having a realistic ending or even a happy ending, the ending came as if by magic--like the film was missing a reel. It literally went from the family on the brink of starvation to living rich and happily ever after....with no real clear path as to how and why this would happen.

Overall, the film has some very nice moments with Rogers (it's hard not to like him) but too many superfluous moments as well. Clearly a mixed bag and a film that will likely leave the viewer feeling a bit unsatisfied.

By the way, on the DVD for this film is a DVD extra, "The Ropin' Fool". It's a silent short starring Rogers and it's simply amazing to watch. It's a rare case where a DVD extra is better than the feature film! Be sure to see this one.

Many of the family banter i remember in my family comes from this time and these type of movies. Here is some of the grit and emotion that helps Americans get through tough times. One funny scene is the first time Will and his family encounter a British woman, He seems 6 inches shorter than her and a quick quip by his wife is that the british woman is from sweden. :) His ability to adapt to situations is evident in people today. Some scenes are hard, like the scene with the Indian (but that is not very harsh) and the one with Mr. Cohen, but Mr. Cohen himself is shrew as well, so there is a balance to the characters. His free-wheeling spirit is evident in the first 15 minutes with the scene where he takes his family for a joy ride down a mountainside to establish his confidence and up-beat fun loving side with his children. A fun movie.

Will Rogers during his lifetime was more than an entertainer, even a superstar entertainer, he was an American institution. For those familiar with him either by reading his columns on the issues of the day or hearing radio monologues that have been preserved they will be somewhat disappointed in a few of his films. Mr. Skitch being one of those.

What humor is in Mr. Skitch is brought to the screen by Zasu Pitts who plays the wife of Rogers who is the title character. He and his family like so many during the great Depression have been dispossessed of their home in Missouri and are traveling west. Things are hardest most on eldest daughter Rochelle Hudson who has a boyfriend up and leave her because of her family's sudden poverty. Fortunately she meets Charles Starrett who had not yet become the Durango Kid on screen.

Zasu Pitts is best in Mr. Skitch, her scene with the Yellowstone Park bears displays her comedy skills at their best. Eugene Palette also has a nice role as drunken high roller they meet while in Nevada.

But Rogers himself doesn't quite come across as well here as in other films. John Ford knew how to utilize him best on the screen, I'd suggest seeing those three films he did with Ford before seeing Mr. Skitch.

Will Rogers and his family fall victim to the Great Depression and head off to California.Along the way,he encounters other travelers,and the man who was famous for the statement"I never met a man I didn't like" shows that he was apparently only referring to people who were born in America.There is a very uncomfortable scene with a man named Cohen(Harry Green),and another with an Indian,which is thankfully short,perhaps due to the fact Mr. Rogers was half-Cherokee himself.Call this review revisionist history if you want,but I call them like I see them.Different times,I guess.

Having heard so much and read so many profound and witty sayings by Will Rogers, I was anxious to see him on film. I expected this movie to be funny, or at least touching. What I got was mainly a boring movie.

A family loses its house and possessions, due to bank incompetence....and nobody is upset! They just jump in the car and head to California.

For the most part, the humor is stupid and the film moves too slowly. That's the problem with a lot of comedies. Comedy seems to date itself a lot more than other genres.

It was fun, however, to see Zasu Pitts and Rochelle Hudson in here.