Callaway Went Thataway

Callaway Went Thataway is a light-hearted comedy film of the 1950s. Released in 1951, it weaves a humorous tale into the realm of Hollywood's advertising industry while satirizing the wild west craze of the time. This black and white film reunites the successful pairing of Fred MacMurray and Dorothy McGuire. Alongside them, Howard Keel features in one of his earliest screen roles in this cinematic gem.

The movie kicks off with the struggling advertising partners, Mike Frye and Deborah Patterson, brought to life by Fred MacMurray and Dorothy McGuire respectively. These savvy but cash-strapped characters rise to the occasion by re-broadcasting old episodes of the hit television show featuring beloved cowboy, Smoky Callaway. Much to their delight, the re-runs become a sensation amongst children and cowboy fans, leading to a sudden, unexpected surge in the sales of Callaway-endorsed products.

Things take a fascinating turn when Mike and Deborah, upon learning that Smoky Callaway has been missing for a decade, struggle to find a way to continue cashing in on the cowboy's popularity, with advertisers demanding new episodes and personal appearances from the long-absent star. Aiming to replicate Smoky's fame, they embark on a desperate and comical search for an identical looking cowboy to impersonate Smoky Callaway.

Enter Stretch Barnes, a naive but likable cowboy played by Howard Keel. He turns out to be an uncanny look-alike of the original Smoky Callaway. Stretch is initially duped into joining the act by the lure of acting in milk commercials, under the impression that promoting milk is a noble deed for children across the country. However, he soon becomes a nationwide sensation and amasses his own fan base.

The plot gracefully captures the transformation of innocent and rustic Stretch into polished and charming Smoky Callaway. The film traverses through charming sequences of Stretch learning the art of wooing his audience, delivering popular catchphrases, and performing staged heroics on camera, much to the delight of young viewers across the nation.

As Stretch grows more famous, handling the unexpected problems that come with fame and fans becomes a challenge for Mike and Deborah. Doting fans, voracious publicity, and always on the edge of being caught by the drafting board - all add to the delightful complications.

Director Melvin Frank and Norman Panama execute these complexities with great delicacy and humor. They manage to keep the audience amused and engaged throughout the movie with brilliant comic timing and wittily crafted dialogues, all presented by the polished performances of the lead actors.

The memorable performances of Fred MacMurray, Dorothy McGuire, and Howard Keel remain the highlight of Callaway Went Thataway. MacMurray nails the desperation of Mike Frye, persistently struggling to keep the advertising business alive. McGuire, as Deborah, beautifully balances the conscience and need of the advertising business. Her chemistry with MacMurray is absolutely delightful, adding layers of underplayed romance to the comedy.

Howard Keel, known more commonly for his roles in musicals, proves his versatility by giving a wonderfully sincere portrayal of the downtrodden and gullible Stretch Barnes, whose honesty and simplicity form the film's heart. Keel's transformation from an honest cowboy to a dashing Western hero offers the central charm in this engaging comedy.

Callaway Went Thataway further enjoys the strength of a powerful supporting cast with memorable roles such as Smoky Callaway's sardonic agent, an eager fan, an original Smoky, and an enterprising Hollywood producer, promising a completely entertaining watch.

The film, while being extremely entertaining, subtly stirs the audience with questions on the extent to which commercial interests should exploit television, celebrity image, and even innocence for market gains. It provides a light-hearted critique of manipulative advertising and celebrity culture in the era of burgeoning television, elements that are still relevant today.

In essence, Callaway Went Thataway is a delightful, amusing comedy that offers a humorous look at the inner workings of the advertising business. Its beautifully crafted characters, dream woven into a clever plot, and razor-sharp satire on the entertainment industry make it noteworthy cinema from Hollywood's Golden Age. It's a must-watch for those who enjoy classic cinema, adding it to their treasure trove of 1950s Americana.