After a promising start, this film nosedives into a ridiculous plot that not only seems to run forever, but even succeeds in smothering some of the music-and-song interludes. With a super-perky performer like Betty Hutton in the lead, you would think that a hard task, but somehow – maybe due to slack direction by Hal Walker (he earned his wings as an assistant director 1932-1942) – the movie manages to out-stay its welcome. Another problem is that the scenario makes little sense. This would not be so bad in itself if it were not pushed into our faces all the time. A wise director would soft- peddle the stupid story and not keep thrusting it into the foreground. In fact, thanks to Mr. Walker, the dopey plot is played out with such vehemence that it even succeeds in smothering some of the musical highlights. One-note Betty Hutton, as we all well-know, doesn't know how to practice restraint, but we expect an actor who lacks charisma – like Don DeFore – to stay in the background and not keep thrusting himself forward. But, I agree, an actor can only obey directions from his director, and if a director doesn't ask him to tone down his performance, he's not going to do it. Fortunately, Barry Fitzgerald not only does his best to even the score but even does his own stuntwork! He's a brave man, that's for sure! I wouldn't do it in a million years, let alone repeat the stunt as Barry does here. Alas, even Fitz is ultimately defeated by the ridiculous, over-wordy and over-plotted script. No, I'm wrong! The script is both over-plotted and under-plotted. It even invades some of the musical numbers. In all, at 98 minutes, the movie runs far too long. Its stupid plot and totally unbelievable characters don't help. At 90 minutes, you might just get away with it, but saddled with over-bouncy Betty, pushy Don and slow-talking Barry – especially scene-hogging Don – no way! Available on a very good 50- Movie-Mega-Pack Comedy Classics DVD.
Review of The Stork Club
