There are comedies from the 30s and 40s that I think hold up today due to their pacing (particularly the screwball flicks). Personally, I feel that W.C. Fields’ style of comedy is one that is a product of its time. I chuckled a few times, when the movie did speed up for its humor, but the slow pacing for a majority of scenes feels like a wet blanket over what could’ve had me laughing more. I felt this way about It’s A Gift too. Maybe he just isn’t for me 🤷‍♂️.

There are comedies from the 30s and 40s that I think hold up today due to their pacing (particularly the screwball flicks). Personally, I feel that W.C. Fields’ style of comedy is one that is a product of its time. I chuckled a few times, when the movie did speed up for its humor, but the slow pacing for a majority of scenes feels like a wet blanket over what could’ve had me laughing more. I felt this way about It’s A Gift too. Maybe he just isn’t for me 🤷‍♂️.

Not exactly my speed of humor, but when it works for me, I was rather amused. I like W.C. Fields, or at the very least the idea of him, but not everything about his shtick or just the era in general tends to land well. Didn't expect it to end in a car chase, though. That was cool. Also I totally clocked immediately that the suspense music used here is stock from Son of Frankenstein.

Not exactly my speed of humor, but when it works for me, I was rather amused. I like W.C. Fields, or at the very least the idea of him, but not everything about his shtick or just the era in general tends to land well. Didn't expect it to end in a car chase, though. That was cool. Also I totally clocked immediately that the suspense music used here is stock from Son of Frankenstein.

CRITERION CHALLENGE 2025 #11:

What a fun ride!! W. C. Fields is a joy to watch, the jokes are still funny 85 years later (a feat in the realm of comedy!) and the character of Sousè should be talked about more as one of film history’s greatest clowns - on par with Mr. Bean and The Tramp.

Simply, a ton of fun.

CRITERION CHALLENGE 2025 #11:

What a fun ride!! W. C. Fields is a joy to watch, the jokes are still funny 85 years later (a feat in the realm of comedy!) and the character of Sousè should be talked about more as one of film history’s greatest clowns - on par with Mr. Bean and The Tramp.

Simply, a ton of fun.

Criterion Collection Challenge #78

Another early comedic actor's first impression on me with W.C Fields, but this time I loved it. The Comedy is just really awesome here, old school like the marx brothers but it just hit better for me.

85.4/100

My lists that include the Bank Dick: Every Film Watch in November 2024 RankedThe Criterion Collection Challenge

Criterion Collection Challenge #78

Another early comedic actor's first impression on me with W.C Fields, but this time I loved it. The Comedy is just really awesome here, old school like the marx brothers but it just hit better for me.

85.4/100

My lists that include the Bank Dick: Every Film Watch in November 2024 RankedThe Criterion Collection Challenge

Recycling much of the comedic material of Fields’ earlier It’s a Gift but with a stronger narrative, more conventional pacing, and Fields upping his scoundrel persona. The Bank Dick is a funny mix of witty wordplay, outlandish scenario and slapstick humour.

Egbert Sousé (pronounced sue-zay) is a henpecked husband, who unwittingly foils a bank robbery and rides the wave of adulation into a security guard job that he is woefully unqualified for. When he convinces his would-be son-in-law Og (Grady Sutton) to invest in dodgy shares using ‘borrowed’ bank funds, the pair must distract auditor Snoopington (Franklin Pangborn) until the money can be repaid.

I watched this as a kid - it was a Friday night John Hinde classic movie on ABC - and the main joke I remember was the pronunciation of his name. Fields really excels at the art of failing upwards, and is a likeable well-meaning rouge. The car chase finale is a great mix of fast paced action and humour.

Not only does this have a Bank Dick, it also features a Black Pussy cafe! 😮

**380/1001 - 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die **

Recycling much of the comedic material of Fields’ earlier It’s a Gift but with a stronger narrative, more conventional pacing, and Fields upping his scoundrel persona. The Bank Dick is a funny mix of witty wordplay, outlandish scenario and slapstick humour.

Egbert Sousé (pronounced sue-zay) is a henpecked husband, who unwittingly foils a bank robbery and rides the wave of adulation into a security guard job that he is woefully unqualified for. When he convinces his would-be son-in-law Og (Grady Sutton) to invest in dodgy shares using ‘borrowed’ bank funds, the pair must distract auditor Snoopington (Franklin Pangborn) until the money can be repaid.

I watched this as a kid - it was a Friday night John Hinde classic movie on ABC - and the main joke I remember was the pronunciation of his name. Fields really excels at the art of failing upwards, and is a likeable well-meaning rouge. The car chase finale is a great mix of fast paced action and humour.

Not only does this have a Bank Dick, it also features a Black Pussy cafe! 😮

**380/1001 - 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die **