Mubi Monday: Sullivan's Travels (1941)

To the memory of those who made us laugh: the motley mountebanks, the clowns, the buffoons, in all times and in all nations, whose efforts have lightened our burden a little, this picture is affectionately dedicated.

 Although age may have wearied it slightly, and there's a worrying air of somone rich going on a "poverty safari" during the earlier scenes, Sullivan's Travels soon starts to live up to its reputation, mixing in some sharp barbs with plenty of gentle humour and some surprisingly affecting moments of drama.

Written and directed by Preston Sturges, this is the tale of a successful director (John L. Sullivan, played by Joel McCrea) who wants to move away from the comedy films that have made his reputation. He wants to do more relevant, serious, fare but his bosses try to dissuade him from that idea, explaining that he can't deliver those kinds of movies because he doesn't really know anything about the hardships of life. Sullivan agrees, and then decides that he will try to experience poverty and hardship

Although the cast includes the likes of Robert Warwick, William Demarest, and Franklin Pangborn, and there's a great turn from Jan Buckingham as the unaffectionate wife (in name only) of the main character, Sullivan's Travels is really based around the performances of McCrea, desperate to go as far as he needs to in order to experience "authentic" hardship, and Veronica Lake, playing a woman he meets who is initially unable to comprehend the situation that Sullivan has created for himself.

Sturges clearly has a lot of fun with the central idea, a premise that allows him to take viewers to some soaring highs and then some real lows, and the film is a perfect mix throughout of sheer entertainment and one clear message. The pacing is perfect, especially during the gradual transition from the lighter moments to the more serious scenes, and almost every single one of the supporting players gets at least one chance to shine.

Yet another classic movie that quickly reveals to you, the viewer, why so many hold it in such high regard, and a very influential (this would be the perfect time to mention the Coen brothers, who took the title "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" from this) and surprisingly resonant experience to this day, Sullivan's Travels is one to mark of your list ASAP, whether you're a casual film fan or a more obsessive cinephile. You won't be disappointed.

9/10

The blu ray can be bought here.
Americans can get it here.