Review of The Bank Dick (1940) by Bryan W — 13 Aug 2007

Arguably Field's best film. Next to "self-deprecation" should be his mugshot. Far beyond it's time, WC pushes the envelope constantly with underhanded jokes that were entirely unacceptable in 1940. "I love children... girl children... 'bout 18 or 20", he explains. It struck me that he frequents a bar named "The Pussycat Cafe" which he refers to as the "Black Pussy" - possibly because he had little "pussy" since his kids were born (or even since he married) and couldn't find any if he tried. Notice the scene in which he tries to hit on his bosses personal assistant and is shot down immediately.

Follows the usual pattern with the over-bearing wife, annoying children and WC down on his luck until fortune finds him - and it continually finds him throughout this movie. This character is a selfish, lying drunk who cares for no one but himself, certainly not his family, and deserves nothing but somehow is warm and appealing, as was WC himself. Is very dated now and you need to make allowances for the time in which it was made but is still one of the funniest comedies ever.