The Bank Dick

The Bank Dick, which was released in 1940, is an American comedy film directed by Edward Cline and features legendary comedian, W.C. Fields, in one of his most beloved roles. It's a classic example of Fields's comedic brilliance and a pure display of his ability to captivate audiences with his charm, wit, and humor. Other cast members include Cora Witherspoon in the role of his nagging wife, Agatha, and Una Merkel as his equally troublesome daughter, Myrtle, as well as a clever ensemble of supporting actors that aid in fueling the comedic maelstrom.

In this film, W.C. Fields presents us with Egbert Souse, a charmingly knavish character living in the fictional town of Lompoc, California. Souse, a self-proclaimed director, can be idly spotted at the Black Pussy Cat café, where he often gathers with fellow town loafers for drinks. Struggling to keep up with the demands of his role as a husband and a father, Souse's life is a swirling chaos of incidents, misunderstandings, clever plans, and hilarious physical comedy.

Luck strikes Souse who, casually foils a bank robbery. The town hails him as a hero, and Souse, with all his wit and quirky charm, uses the situation to his advantage. Quite coincidentally, he lands the job as a security guard at the town bank, hence the title, The Bank Dick. Comedy ensues as Souse involves himself in various bank matters which he is hardly qualified to handle. His dealings at the bank form the crux of the plot, as he stumbles from one comedic catastrophe to the other.

This movie is not just about the comic antics of Souse at the bank. On the home front, Souse has to cleverly deal with his wife, juggle the love affair of his daughter and her penniless boyfriend, Og, and somehow achieve his ambitions of directing a film. There’s also an ongoing subplot revolving around conniving businessmen looking to swindle money and the Souse’s hilarious attempts to play the stock market.

W.C. Fields shines in the wonderfully developed character of Egbert Souse. His humor, empathetic demeanor, and captivating presence light up every scene. Fields' dialogue delivery is especially delightful. He exhibits his signature humor, full of tongue-in-cheek comments and playful puns, which add depth and interest to his character. The inherent uniqueness of Fields lies in his ability to portray an adorable, lovable character with peculiar defects, which only serves to make him all the more endearing to viewers.

Cora Witherspoon plays an engaging role as Souse's combative wife, Agatha. Her character is beautifully crafted with shades of humor and impeccable timing. She successfully captures the essence of a wife coping with her unpredictable husband while also dealing with domestic issues, adding another layer of comedy to the movie. Similarly, Una Merkel delivers a charming portrayal of Myrtle, their daughter in the bloom of youth, whose romantic entanglements become another source of delightfully silly scenarios.

The Bank Dick is a showcase of comic timing, brilliant performances, and innovative screenplay. Elements of slapstick, verbal humor and farce combine to create a hilarious spectacle. Additionally, the movie offers many memorable scenes such as a frenetic car chase and an unpredictable court scene, all of which are orchestrated brilliantly.

The Bank Dick has been crafted with ingenuity and wit, simultaneously paying homage to and subverting the comedy genre. It captures an essence of the 1940s, and its well-written script is enhanced by exquisite performances from its cast. Packed with classic one-liners, physical comedy, and character-driven humor, it remains relevant even today, further testifying to Fields' timeless comedic genius.

In conclusion, The Bank Dick stands as a hilarious, endearing comedy that remains emblematic of W.C. Fields’ artistry. Both its hilarious situations and general impressions of small-town life are sure to leave audiences with hearty laughs and an appreciation for this era of classic comedy. With its unforgettable cast and flamboyant characters, The Bank Dick is a must-watch for any fan of W.C. Fields or classic American cinema in general.