Jalopy

Monogram Pictures became Allied Artists in 1953 and with this move came bigger budgets and new blood. Since the Bowery Boys films were paying a good part of the rent, a new producer came to the series, also famous director Ed Bernds, who was the head man behind the THREE STOOGES. Assistant director Austen Jewell said both Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall wanted to try out another director for a new feel and approach, although William Beaudine would direct this episode. He would return with PARIS PLAYBOYS.

It was decided Slip and Sach would mature --just a bit, which meant instead of acting like overgrown high school kids, they would be young men who were just as goofy nuts. You'll also notice Huntz Hall's "tie" with his baseball cap. How's that for a wardrobe change? Next, it was also decided to get the gang's old Model T car in the act and JALOPY was born.

This story is also built around a sci fi angle, which would influence many future stories. Another eccentric professor gets into the act (well played by Leon Belasco, who had a long career in movies and tv). The good doctor whips up a secret formula, it ends up in the Jalopy's gas tank and the Bowery Boys become stock car champs!

The track scenes are hilarious with the car running backwards??? Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall battling it out for the best one-liners, if not wild expressions. Louie (Bernard Gorcey) goes nuts over losing money (again) to the gang. Good support from Robert Lowery (as the shifty bad guy) and sports announcer Tom Hanlon, giving a blow by blow description. Wash, rinse and repeat....

Don't miss the ending where the secret formula is also capable of producing beautiful BLONDES! One for Louie???

A gotsta' see. 10 Stars. Released and remastered by Warner Brothers in box sets, generally containg 6 to 8 episodes. Thank you to TCM for rerunning these oldies.