Fit For A King

Fit For A King is a light-hearted comedy from 1937 starring the vibrant Joe E. Brown in the lead role, directed by seasoned filmmaker Edward Sedgwick. The film also features eye-catching performances from Helen Mack and Paul Kelly, who paint the screen with their diverse acting skills. Known for its unique comedy style, Fit For A King is a jewel in the era of Golden Age Hollywood, combining wit, political satire, and slapstick comedy to provide a humorous and entertaining package.

The film centers around the life and challenges of Virgil Jones (Joe E. Brown), a bumbling newspaper reporter, who works for The Daily Chronicle. Despite his less than successful record, he dreams of landing a big scoop that will put him in the limelight. Virgil is sent to cover a historically volatile European kingdom that is wrapped in political turmoil, adding an intriguing layer of backstory. While the assignment is a golden opportunity to make his mark, his lack of experience in political matters and his natural clumsiness seem to be major obstacles that stand in his way.

Virgil's character is imbued with a unique charm, as he navigates political intrigue and slapstick humor. Brown's over-the-top comedic performances provide many of the film's light-hearted moments, spiced with his iconic wide-mouthed facial expressions and physical comedy. His infectious enthusiasm incorporates an appealing charisma to his character, and his humorous encounters in the midst of a politically tense landscape keep the audience engaged throughout the movie.

Enter Jane Hamilton (Helen Mack), a savvy and shrewd secretary working at the kingdom's palace. She's a unique woman of her time, portrayed as highly educated and politically aware, which makes her a fascinating contrast to Virgil's clueless and naive reporting. However, she bears her own cross, being a secret princess in disguise due to dynastic intrigue, adding an enigmatic dimension to her persona. Helen Mack delivers a solid performance, ensuring that her character has depth and substance, making Jane Hamilton not a mere prop but an indispensable ally and guide through the film's unfolding events.

The charismatic Paul Kelly plays the role of Napoleon, the mysterious chauffeur. Kelly gives a compelling performance as he showcases his versatile acting skills. With a bold stance, confident demeanor, and deep voice, he captures the attention of the audience.

The plot thickens when corrupt politicians plot to assassinate their royal highnesses. The palace entourage, including Virgil, Jane, and Napoleon, gets pulled into the menacing political conspiracy, transforming the movie into a blend of comedy and action. This unexpected switch gears and complex turns of events make Fit For A King an interesting watch.

The film brilliantly showcases the contrast between Virgil’s desperate attempts to uncover a trump-card story and the grave political upheaval, resulting in a captivating narrative. It also provides a commentary on the state of journalism, with numerous humorous jabs at its sensationalistic tendencies, making it analogically relevant to modern times.

Fit For A King's strength lies in its witty dialogue, commendable performances from its cast members, and its successful blend of comedy, action, suspense, and romance. The film plays out quite briskly and entertains throughout with its share of laughs, thrills, chases, and even a romance blooming amidst the chaos.

The film’s unique style is the result of the combined creativity of the director Edward Sedgwick and writers Richard Flournoy, Jack Jevne, and Eddie Moran. They gave the film its charm, blending comedic and dramatic elements in a subtle but effective manner. Cinematography, by Leonard Smith, and musical score by Edward Ward enhance the overall experience, pulling the audience into the atmosphere of 1930’s Europe.

Fit For A King is a movie that reflects the best of its era with a quirky and whimsical approach towards comedy, coupled with its undercurrent of political commentary. Its unique blend of humor and suspense provides the audience with an entertaining and pleasant 1930s cinema experience. For those interested in classic films, this film serves as a fantastic display of early Hollywood storytelling and remains a timeless treasure in the realm of comedic flicks.