That Nazty Nuisance

That Nazty Nuisance, also known as The Last Three, is a satirical film that utilizes humor and parody to offer commentary on the political landscape of its time. Produced in 1943 during the tumultuous era of World War II, this cinematic piece reflects American wartime sentiments and attitudes towards the infamous dictatorships that plagued the world during this period.

The film, directed by Glenn Tryon and starring Bobby Watson, Joe Devlin, and Johnny Arthur, employs caricatures of infamous WWII leaders, added with a touch of humor, providing comic relief without losing sight of the serious implications of their actions. Bobby Watson brilliantly portrays Adolph Hitler, whereas Joe Devlin enacts a comical version of Benito Mussolini, and Johnny Arthur brings to life a stereotype of Hirohito.

At the heart of the plot is a remarkable display of the absurdity of power, especially when held by unqualified individuals. It narrates a story in which these supposedly powerful men find themselves lost and stranded on a desert island after their plane crashes, and their ensuing interactions with other inhabitants of the island that lead to a series of comedic and absurd situations.

As the film opens, viewers are introduced to a meeting between the trio who are planning to launch a devastating attack on their enemies, signaling their desire for war and total domination. The film depicts these events with accents of humor and satire that serve to mock the totalitarian regimes of the time. However, fate has other plans when their plane veers off course and crashes into a remote island. Here, they must learn to survive without the luxuries of their palaces, testing their capability and resilience in truly challenging circumstances.

While stranded on the island, these notorious leaders come into contact with an American naval officer and his vaudeville partner, both of whom also ended up on the island due to unfortunate circumstances. Simultaneously, they interact with an indigenous tribe and their chieftain, further adding comic possibilities and humorous squabbles. The interactions among these diverse characters results in a series of humorous and chaotic events that bring to the forefront the ludicrousness of the dictators’ power gambit.

Throughout the film, viewers will get an insightful look into the character of these totalitarian leaders and the warped ideologies they subscribe to. Yet, The Nazty Nuisance does not become a bleak portrait of power-hungry leaders. Instead, it serves a liberal dosage of humor and comedy, making it an entertaining spectacle.

In terms of performances, Bobby Watson excels in his role as Hitler, brilliantly capturing the mannerisms of the dictator and lending a hilarious edge to them. Equally impressive are Joe Devlin and Johnny Arthur who render their characters with equal parts of authenticity and exaggeration, making for comic gold on screen.

The Nazty Nuisance is a shining example of how filmmakers during the World War II era utilized the medium of cinema to engage audiences, stimulate thought, and even provide comic relief during troubling times. By drawing heavily on the socio-political landscape of the era, the film becomes a representative piece of its time, offering a peek into the thoughts and attitudes of the generation that lived through it.

In essence, That Nazty Nuisance, with its mix of comedy, satire and underlying political commentary, offers viewers an entertaining cinema experience. The film’s delicate balance of comedy and satire allows for laughter whilst also provoking thought about the nature of power and the absurdities of dictatorship. It is a remarkable example of a film that has interwoven a historical political narrative with comedic storytelling techniques, making it a must-watch for both, casual viewers and history buffs alike.