“Earthworm Tractors” is a 1936 American comedy film directed by Ray Enright and starring Joe E. Brown, June Travis, and Guy Kibbee.

The film follows the adventures of Alexander Botts, a bumbling salesman who works for the Earthworm Tractor Company. Botts is sent to a small town in the South to sell tractors to the local farmers, but his plans are complicated when he falls in love with the daughter of a local farmer and gets into a rivalry with a competing tractor salesman.

Botts’ attempts to sell the tractors are met with resistance from the farmers, who are skeptical of the new technology and attached to their old-fashioned farming methods. Botts tries to convince them of the benefits of the tractors, but his efforts are often comically thwarted by his own ineptitude and the scheming of his rival salesman.

As the story progresses, Botts becomes increasingly determined to prove himself and win the heart of the farmer’s daughter. He ultimately succeeds in both, using his wit and ingenuity to convince the farmers of the value of the tractors and win the approval of the woman he loves.

Overall, “Earthworm Tractors” is a classic comedy film that features a blend of slapstick humor and heartwarming romance. It is a lighthearted and entertaining movie that captures the spirit of small-town America in the 1930s, and showcases the talents of Joe E. Brown, one of the era’s most popular comedians.

Directors:
Ray Enright

Writer:
Richard Macaulay, Joe Traub, Hugh Cummings

Stars:
Joe E. Brown, June Travis, Guy Kibbee

“It’s a Joke, Son!” is a 1947 American comedy film directed by Benjamin Stoloff and starring Kenny Delmar, Una Merkel, and June Lockhart.

The film is a satirical take on the politics and social issues of post-World War II America. The main character is Senator Beauregard Claghorn, a Southern politician who is known for his bombastic speeches and over-the-top personality. Claghorn is a caricature of the stereotypical Southern politician, with a thick Southern accent and a tendency to use folksy expressions and colloquialisms.

The plot of the film revolves around Claghorn’s attempts to win re-election to the Senate. He is challenged by a young, up-and-coming politician named Sylvester, who is more in tune with the needs of modern America. As the two politicians engage in a series of debates and public appearances, Claghorn finds himself struggling to adapt to the changing political climate.

Along the way, Claghorn gets into a variety of humorous situations, including accidentally taking LSD and getting lost in a jazz club. Through it all, he remains confident in his ability to win the election, convinced that his folksy charm will win over the voters.

The film ultimately ends with a twist, as Claghorn realizes that he has been out of touch with the needs of his constituents and decides to withdraw from the race. In the end, Sylvester wins the election, but Claghorn remains a beloved figure in the minds of the public.

Overall, “It’s a Joke, Son!” is a lighthearted and entertaining film that provides a humorous take on the politics of the time. It is notable for its caricature of the Southern politician and its satirical treatment of issues like race relations and the Cold War.

Directors:
Benjamin Stoloff

Writer:
Robert E. Kent, Paul Gerard Smith

Stars:
Kenny Delmar, Una Merkel, June Lockhart

“Dreaming Out Loud” is a musical comedy film released in 1940 and directed by Harold Young. The film stars Dick Powell, Linda Darnell, and Jack Oakie.

The story follows Jimmy (Dick Powell), a struggling musician who dreams of making it big in show business. Despite his talent, Jimmy can’t seem to catch a break, until he meets a young singer named Sally (Linda Darnell) who believes in his abilities and helps him land a gig at a nightclub.

With Sally’s support, Jimmy begins to gain fame and success, but he soon finds himself caught up in a love triangle with Sally and her manager, Marty (Jack Oakie). As Jimmy’s career takes off, he must navigate the challenges of the music industry and balance his professional ambitions with his personal relationships.

Along the way, the film features several musical numbers, including performances by Dick Powell and Linda Darnell. The film’s standout number is “I’ll Never Let a Day Pass By,” which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

In the end, Jimmy realizes that his love for Sally is more important than his career and they reconcile. Marty, who has been manipulating Sally for his own gain, is exposed and the couple is free to pursue their love and their dreams.

Overall, “Dreaming Out Loud” is a lighthearted musical comedy that showcases the talents of its leading actors and features several memorable musical numbers. The film’s message of following one’s dreams and prioritizing personal relationships over professional success is a timeless one that still resonates with audiences today.

Directors:
Harold Young

Writer:
Robert Hardy Andrews, Howard J. Green, Barry Trivers

Stars:
Chester Lauck, Norris Goff, Frances Langford

“Hook, Line and Sinker” is a 1930 comedy film directed by Edward F. Cline and starring Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey. The film follows the misadventures of two bumbling salesmen, Wilbur (Bert Wheeler) and Addington (Robert Woolsey), who work for a pharmaceutical company. When they accidentally discover a cure for a deadly disease, they become the target of rival companies who want to steal their formula.

Desperate to protect their invention, Wilbur and Addington go on the run, pursued by both the police and their competitors. Along the way, they encounter a beautiful young woman named Dorothy (Dorothy Lee), who joins them on their wild journey. As they try to stay one step ahead of their pursuers, Wilbur and Addington get into all sorts of comical mishaps and misunderstandings.

As they race to get their formula to the proper authorities and secure their fortune, Wilbur and Addington must also navigate their complicated relationships with Dorothy and her overbearing father, who wants to marry her off to a wealthy suitor. The film culminates in a chaotic and hilarious finale involving a crowded hotel room and a case of mistaken identity.

“Hook, Line and Sinker” is a classic example of the early screwball comedies of the 1930s, filled with zany characters, fast-paced dialogue, and physical comedy. The film was a box office success and helped to establish Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey as popular comedians of the era.

Directors:
Edward F. Cline

Writer:
Tim Whelan, Ralph Spence

Stars:
Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Dorothy Lee