Review of The Inspector General (1949) by Jennifer H — 11 Oct 2010

First off, give the movie a chance. Even I'll admit that the temptation to remove myself from the room was great. But on many occasion, it's those movies that surprise us with a sudden plot turn or unforeseen character twist we come to enjoy the most. Yes, an interesting beginning does help.

I knew that this movie would entertain when I heard the dull, monotone, "Hey" in the first number. Where does such genius come from. The 'Hey' is an absurd means of rallying laughter, and it works. My father laughed, even. Unfortunately, this laughing spell did not last long. A number, Soliloquy for Three Heads, continued far too long for comfort. 'Soliloquy's' job mirrors the countless numbers found in Danny Kaye films. These musical pieces are created to emphasize the rapidity and confusion of Danny Kaye's comical reactions; the many reactions of the face and waving of hands. Although Mr. Kaye wanted to highlight the very best of his comedy style, going about it in one song, one frame, one continuous shot is exhausting for any audience, the fanatics and the non fanatics.

The greatest film displaying Danny Kaye's farcical best, I believe, was White Christmas. It one of the few that refuses to select Mr. Kaye as the sole lead. Instead, he is an ensemble actor leaning on the comedy of his trio of costars. All this to say that Danny Kaye might be better at ensemble work than solo. Take the number 'The Gypsy Drinking Song.' Danny Kaye did not begin the song alone; incorporating the foreground crowd to provide sound effects at the point of his finger. As the humming crowd loses importance, a select table of men (with the intent to kill put poison in Kaye's cup) urge and suppress their happiness as Kaye lifts the glass and never takes a drink. This song is the very best in the film. For once, Kaye's reactions are not the sole venue but the reactions of others reacting to the reactions of Kaye. Sounds confusing? That's Danny Kaye.

The songs do the job of carrying the entire film through. They are mildly hilarious.The plot moves slowly and uncomfortably along. But it's Danny Kaye. Give it a chance for that reason.