A Blu-ray release of the film was made available in 2020, and it's nice to see a print of the popular duo's most successful feature in such great condition. This effort was directed by George Stevens, who also helmed THE NITWITS (1935).
For those who don't know, Bert Wheeler & Robert Woolsey were solo vaudevillians who were paired together for RIO RITA (1929). Their comedic shtick and ability to do song-and-dance numbers made them a hit with audiences. A team was born and RKO presented the pair in motion pictures for the next eight years.
In KENTUCKY KERNELS, the formula from their earlier precodes is continued...though with a bit less bite as the code was now starting to be enforced. The boys are put into a wacky situation-- saving a suicidal man by helping him adopt an orphan (Spanky McFarland). There is a sexy blonde on hand (Mary Carlisle); and over-the-top comic foils in the form of Margaret Dumont and Noah Beery Sr.
A lot of the humor comes from puns, sight gags, role reversals and exaggerated moments where violent happenings are translated into laughs. One routine has Wheeler as the more emasculated of the pair, doing dishes, mending clothes and even dressing as a woman during a climactic shootout. Another routine involves young Spanky's propensity for breaking glass, and by the time the film is over, countless shards have been left everywhere.
The plot kicks into gear when it is revealed that Spanky has inherited a southern estate. With the newly adoptive father away on a honeymoon, the boys take Spanky to Kentucky to claim his inheritance. The plantation is a large one and comes with all the finest amenities and stereotypes. Unbeknownst to our trio, a rival family with a plantation and servants of their own, have declared war on Spanky's family.
A huge feud plays out. However, the daughter of the other family takes a shine to these newcomers. She provides a lovely presence on screen. Her character sets the stage for a shotgun wedding later on, which culminates in "bloodshed." Because this is a Wheeler & Woolsey farce, raspberries are used for ammunition instead of actual bullets.
It all becomes more and more far-fetched, until a letter arrives explaining that a mistake was made back at the orphanage. Spanky is not really the heir of this plantation, so he and the boys have no reason to stick around and continue fighting. A truce is declared, and the two pals are able to leave mostly unscathed with the nice lady riding back north with them. I guess Wheeler won't have to cook, clean and sew anymore.
For those who don't know, Bert Wheeler & Robert Woolsey were solo vaudevillians who were paired together for RIO RITA (1929). Their comedic shtick and ability to do song-and-dance numbers made them a hit with audiences. A team was born and RKO presented the pair in motion pictures for the next eight years.
In KENTUCKY KERNELS, the formula from their earlier precodes is continued...though with a bit less bite as the code was now starting to be enforced. The boys are put into a wacky situation-- saving a suicidal man by helping him adopt an orphan (Spanky McFarland). There is a sexy blonde on hand (Mary Carlisle); and over-the-top comic foils in the form of Margaret Dumont and Noah Beery Sr.
A lot of the humor comes from puns, sight gags, role reversals and exaggerated moments where violent happenings are translated into laughs. One routine has Wheeler as the more emasculated of the pair, doing dishes, mending clothes and even dressing as a woman during a climactic shootout. Another routine involves young Spanky's propensity for breaking glass, and by the time the film is over, countless shards have been left everywhere.
The plot kicks into gear when it is revealed that Spanky has inherited a southern estate. With the newly adoptive father away on a honeymoon, the boys take Spanky to Kentucky to claim his inheritance. The plantation is a large one and comes with all the finest amenities and stereotypes. Unbeknownst to our trio, a rival family with a plantation and servants of their own, have declared war on Spanky's family.
A huge feud plays out. However, the daughter of the other family takes a shine to these newcomers. She provides a lovely presence on screen. Her character sets the stage for a shotgun wedding later on, which culminates in "bloodshed." Because this is a Wheeler & Woolsey farce, raspberries are used for ammunition instead of actual bullets.
It all becomes more and more far-fetched, until a letter arrives explaining that a mistake was made back at the orphanage. Spanky is not really the heir of this plantation, so he and the boys have no reason to stick around and continue fighting. A truce is declared, and the two pals are able to leave mostly unscathed with the nice lady riding back north with them. I guess Wheeler won't have to cook, clean and sew anymore.