There's nothing but silliness in this RKO programmer comedy with songs that gave radio audiences a chance to view such acts as Edger Bergen (with Charlie McCarthy of course), Fibber McGee and Molly, and the Great McGinty doing what they did best-making audiences laugh. The result is mixed to today's tastes, but there are definitely some very funny moments. There's not much plot (radio stars gather for various reasons at a country resort), so it's mostly gags and a string to hold it together. Bergen is out to catch a rare moth for his collection, while Fibber McGee and Molly celebrate their 20th anniversary with no funds to pay for their hotel bill. Ginny Sims sings (free from the very similar Kay Kuser series of musicals she had been doing), McCarthy wisecracks, and Mortimer Snerd brags about being dumb even without an education. The only disturbing element is the live person (dwarf or child, it is difficult to tell) who stands in for McCarthy during an action sequence, as well as a musical number. It's actually sort of creepy and reminded me of 1978's "Magic" and subsequent "Chuckie" movies. A scientist (sounding surprisingly like Droopy, or possibly Truman Capote) is another one of the oddball characters around. Gale Gordon of "Here's Lucy" is appropriately malevolent as Molly's old flame who is out to win her back. Serious lovers of classic comedy will adore it, but those without any silliness in their hearts will be rolling their eyes.
11 Reviews
Fun if You're an Old Time Radio fan
BigSkyMax13 February 2007
Strictly designed as a vehicle for NBC to promote its radio stars, Fibber McGee and Molly (Jim and Marian Jordan) and Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. Directed by prolific craftsman Allan Dwan, the "story" was probably rejected by The Three Stooges as being too unbelievable. Still, it is a delight to see the Jordans and Bergen in the flesh, especially as they lost out on TV careers. Also fun: A baby-faced Bill Thompson before he was drafted into the Navy and Gale Gordon before he lost his hair screaming at Lucille Ball. Found treasure: I had never heard of the beautiful Ginny Simms, who apparently had quite a career in the 40s as a singer. There are oddities such as long-shots of Mortimer and Charlie played by children. An unnecessary and racist side-trip to an "Indian village" mars the product as well, but it accurately reflects pre-Dr. King American mores. A must-see for OTR fans.
Weaker than the first of the series
75groucho8 February 2009
The first movie with Fibber McGee & Molly, Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy, and The Great Gildersleeve was "Look Who's Laughing". It was a cute little outing set in the FM & M hometown of Wistful Vista. This one is one too many. The plot is a little too contrived and the scenes uninspired, even by the relaxed standards of a cheap movie inspired by a radio sitcom.
The early scene as Fibber McGee and Molly try to enjoy a second honeymoon at a shabby lakeside resort and the scenes as Bergen & McCarthy try to camp out in the country are good. Other than that, the rest is "strictly from hunger" as the saying used to go. It's a brisk tale about how the McGees want to take the rest of their second honeymoon at a nicer resort than they can afford, so they run up a bill they can't pay. Then Molly's ex-boyfriend offers a way out: help him sell an investment in a synthetic gasoline concoction to Edgar Bergen.
Above all, the pacing of the film is way too harsh. Beyond that, the musical sequences are lame and the closing chase is perfunctory. This is clearly a cheap cash-in sequel.
That said, some will enjoy it. It's wholesome entertainment and will be well-received by most of those who are into the original radio characters. But those who like "Look Who's Laughing" will probably find this to be a weak follow-up.
The early scene as Fibber McGee and Molly try to enjoy a second honeymoon at a shabby lakeside resort and the scenes as Bergen & McCarthy try to camp out in the country are good. Other than that, the rest is "strictly from hunger" as the saying used to go. It's a brisk tale about how the McGees want to take the rest of their second honeymoon at a nicer resort than they can afford, so they run up a bill they can't pay. Then Molly's ex-boyfriend offers a way out: help him sell an investment in a synthetic gasoline concoction to Edgar Bergen.
Above all, the pacing of the film is way too harsh. Beyond that, the musical sequences are lame and the closing chase is perfunctory. This is clearly a cheap cash-in sequel.
That said, some will enjoy it. It's wholesome entertainment and will be well-received by most of those who are into the original radio characters. But those who like "Look Who's Laughing" will probably find this to be a weak follow-up.
Great movie You'll love it
macdwhac18 July 2004
I agree that it brings back to memory a time when people were proud of their country. We could all take lessons from a time in our history when it wasn't "all about me". I hate to be preachy so I'll talk about the movie. There wasn't much storyline, but if you like their old time radio show you will love this flick. The musical numbers are great & so are the characters. I hope you will watch it & enjoy it as much as My wife & I (& kids) did. It helped to introduce my kids to OTR. They already liked Abbott & Costello movies (they didn't know about their OTR shows), but really started to enjoy Fibber McGee & Molly as a result of this movie. It put a face to the voices of Gildy & Wimple (who they already knew as the voice of Droopy). It's not often you can be so entertained by a "history lesson" is it?
Enjoyable.
planktonrules16 September 2022
"Fibber McGee and Molly" was an enormously popular radio program during the 1930s and 40s. Not surprisingly, this resulted in six movies...including this third one in the series. Unfortunately, I've never heard their radio show nor have I seen any of their films, so perhaps others can better judge how good this film is if you are a fan.
In addition to these characters, the film features radio stars, Throckmorton Gildersleeve of "The Great Gildersleeve". And, like Fibber McGee and Molly, he made a few films...which I really enjoyed. The same goes for Edger Bergen...who made a name for himself on the radio and in films as well.
In this story, the McGees are having an anniversary. When their plans for a party fall through, they decide on a second honeymoon. Unfortunately, the first place they go to is a real dump...so they decide to try another hotel. Unfortunately, it's a very expensive one and Fibber wonders how they can afford it. What's worse...Molly's old boyfriend (Gale Gordon) is there...and Fibber can't stand the guy. Does he have good reason? See the film and see for yourself.
This is a mildly enjoyable film. Nothing exceptional but pleasant and fun...and well worth seeing even if you are not familiar with these radio acts.
In addition to these characters, the film features radio stars, Throckmorton Gildersleeve of "The Great Gildersleeve". And, like Fibber McGee and Molly, he made a few films...which I really enjoyed. The same goes for Edger Bergen...who made a name for himself on the radio and in films as well.
In this story, the McGees are having an anniversary. When their plans for a party fall through, they decide on a second honeymoon. Unfortunately, the first place they go to is a real dump...so they decide to try another hotel. Unfortunately, it's a very expensive one and Fibber wonders how they can afford it. What's worse...Molly's old boyfriend (Gale Gordon) is there...and Fibber can't stand the guy. Does he have good reason? See the film and see for yourself.
This is a mildly enjoyable film. Nothing exceptional but pleasant and fun...and well worth seeing even if you are not familiar with these radio acts.
Those heavenly days
bkoganbing5 June 2018
Fibber McGee and his other half Molly are having their 20th anniversary, but when
a party that was poorly planned falls through they decide to go back to the
honeymoon lodge where they spent those heavenly honeymoon days. But that
place has truly gone to seed.
They move out to the new resort across the lake where they run into all kinds of people including the McGee's neighbor Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve soon to get his own radio series and Edgar Bergen with his two wooden chums Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. Ginny Simms one of the best singers of the 40s is also here playing Gildersleeve's niece.
James and Marian Jordan who were Fibber McGee and Molly never quite got the big screen acclaim and couldn't transfer the appeal of that show to television. Still it's an enduring favorite as this movie demonstrates.
They move out to the new resort across the lake where they run into all kinds of people including the McGee's neighbor Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve soon to get his own radio series and Edgar Bergen with his two wooden chums Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. Ginny Simms one of the best singers of the 40s is also here playing Gildersleeve's niece.
James and Marian Jordan who were Fibber McGee and Molly never quite got the big screen acclaim and couldn't transfer the appeal of that show to television. Still it's an enduring favorite as this movie demonstrates.
Radio Comedy Stars hit the Movies!
Chazzzzz19 February 2000
When you encounter Fibber McGee & Molly, Edgar Bergen with Charlie McCarthy & Mortimer Snerd, Harold Peary's The Great Gildersleeve, and Gale Gordon's Cadwalader all in one movie, historical hysterical greatness has to occur! Tho this film is slightly before my time, I've been able to experience them all. This is pure enjoyment that doesn't happen much nowadays. 9.
here we go again, and I'm glad.
froberts7330 March 2011
At my age (er, low 80s) this movie is particularly meaningful, reminding us of the fun we had btv (before television) as our imaginations and spirit of fun were fed with the likes of the stars of this movie, all radio folk (all NBC).
I was 14 when I hied my tail to the 43rd Street Theater, a small movie house in my neighborhood that specialized in 'B' fare. I loved it.
"Here We Go Again" was pure (in more ways than one) fun as it brought our radio favorites to the screen.
The musical portions were most enjoyable and the characters were a delight.
Fibber and Molly were lovable and fun, Bergen and company were delightful, as was Hal Peary as Gildy (later replace by Willard Waterman (?) who looked and sounded like Peary. The lesser known characters, such as Mabel Randolph as uppity Mrs. Uppington - all of them, were wonderful.
Musically, Ginny Simms was one of the best singers of the '40s, and Ray Noble and his band were enjoyable (not enough of them). On Bergen's radio show the Brit was the butt of McCarthyism. (Charlie not Joe, although both were dummies).
I would have loved to hear their between scenes conversations.
One reviewer, psewizzrp-1, or something like that, reviewed this movie as if it was a Hitchcock thriller in need of analyzing.
He needs analyzing. He spelled 'tires' - 'tyres' -- 'whining' came out as 'whinging' (???}. And story came out as 'storey'.
If he were to review a movie about cats, he would probably refer to them as kats.
Before your next negative criticism, bub, bring your second grade spelling book with you.
Anyway, most of the critics enjoyed this fluffy movie. For me, it was a delightful trip down memory lane.
I was 14 when I hied my tail to the 43rd Street Theater, a small movie house in my neighborhood that specialized in 'B' fare. I loved it.
"Here We Go Again" was pure (in more ways than one) fun as it brought our radio favorites to the screen.
The musical portions were most enjoyable and the characters were a delight.
Fibber and Molly were lovable and fun, Bergen and company were delightful, as was Hal Peary as Gildy (later replace by Willard Waterman (?) who looked and sounded like Peary. The lesser known characters, such as Mabel Randolph as uppity Mrs. Uppington - all of them, were wonderful.
Musically, Ginny Simms was one of the best singers of the '40s, and Ray Noble and his band were enjoyable (not enough of them). On Bergen's radio show the Brit was the butt of McCarthyism. (Charlie not Joe, although both were dummies).
I would have loved to hear their between scenes conversations.
One reviewer, psewizzrp-1, or something like that, reviewed this movie as if it was a Hitchcock thriller in need of analyzing.
He needs analyzing. He spelled 'tires' - 'tyres' -- 'whining' came out as 'whinging' (???}. And story came out as 'storey'.
If he were to review a movie about cats, he would probably refer to them as kats.
Before your next negative criticism, bub, bring your second grade spelling book with you.
Anyway, most of the critics enjoyed this fluffy movie. For me, it was a delightful trip down memory lane.
A Delightful Turn of the Old Dial
dougdoepke13 April 2011
What a delightful surprise—the radio characters are just as funny on the screen as off. Middle-age couples have seldom starred in Hollywood features, but the Jordan's make engaging anchors of their small town Fibber McGee and Molly. I love the barbs McGee trades with the rotund Gildersleeve (Peary), carry-overs from the radio show. Then there's the ethically challenged Cadwallader (Gordon) as McGee's rival. Will he manage to come between radio's best-known married couple. The barbs are amusing without being mean-spirited. And, of course, there's the wooden little gentleman Charlie McCarthy trading quips with the best of them, or should I say Bergen trading quips. Sometimes it's hard to tell. Even the intellectually challenged Mortimer Snerd makes the most of his face time.
What really makes this comedic mix work is Allan Dwan's expert staging and direction. That cliff-hanging climax really winds things up with a bang. Too bad Dwan is almost forgotten. His Up in Mabel's Room (1944) and Getting Gertie's Garter (1945) remain two of the funniest bedroom farces of that period. Note here how he works a bevy of shapely girls into the visuals, adding eye appeal to the middle-age stars, plus of course the sparkling Ginny Simms. Oh sure, much of the humor comes from a gentler time when small town America was still the norm. Yet, I defy even today's young sophisticates not to crack more than a few smiles at the nonsensical goings-on of this delightful little programmer.
What really makes this comedic mix work is Allan Dwan's expert staging and direction. That cliff-hanging climax really winds things up with a bang. Too bad Dwan is almost forgotten. His Up in Mabel's Room (1944) and Getting Gertie's Garter (1945) remain two of the funniest bedroom farces of that period. Note here how he works a bevy of shapely girls into the visuals, adding eye appeal to the middle-age stars, plus of course the sparkling Ginny Simms. Oh sure, much of the humor comes from a gentler time when small town America was still the norm. Yet, I defy even today's young sophisticates not to crack more than a few smiles at the nonsensical goings-on of this delightful little programmer.
Dummies
tedg1 November 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Spoilers herein.
Today, nearly every medium is inherently cinematic, especially radio. But it was not always so. This project is from the period when we were looking the other way; here we have episodic radio material - skits, characters, the short joke and musical interludes - spliced into cinema.
There's a fascinating fold here, the business of Charlie. Think about this, a ventriloquist as radio star. The idea is a sophisticated one. You have the world of the watcher and the creators of the story. Then you have the world of the characters in the film. Because this is from radio, the characters are primarily a matter of funny voices (and little else).
But in this case, you also have a world within because in the world of the characters we have a man who creates and presents an inside layer of characters. Following Ted's law, these are exactly as abstract compared to the world of the characters (Edgar and Fibber) as Edgar and Fibber are from us the listener.
To keep this constant, Edgar has to affect a goofiness that is not usual for his act. Lepidoptera, the con and Injuns hint at this notion of shows within a show.
Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.
Today, nearly every medium is inherently cinematic, especially radio. But it was not always so. This project is from the period when we were looking the other way; here we have episodic radio material - skits, characters, the short joke and musical interludes - spliced into cinema.
There's a fascinating fold here, the business of Charlie. Think about this, a ventriloquist as radio star. The idea is a sophisticated one. You have the world of the watcher and the creators of the story. Then you have the world of the characters in the film. Because this is from radio, the characters are primarily a matter of funny voices (and little else).
But in this case, you also have a world within because in the world of the characters we have a man who creates and presents an inside layer of characters. Following Ted's law, these are exactly as abstract compared to the world of the characters (Edgar and Fibber) as Edgar and Fibber are from us the listener.
To keep this constant, Edgar has to affect a goofiness that is not usual for his act. Lepidoptera, the con and Injuns hint at this notion of shows within a show.
Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.
No worst there is none
dsewizzrd-125 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Don't believe what other people have said, this film is completely awful.
Lucille Ball, who was in the prequel "Look Who's Laughing" could see a turkey and wisely stayed out.
Fibber McGee, who is a tool, throws a party and then no one turns up so he goes on holiday. The car needs new tyres so they take the horse and cart (what ?!!). They stay in a ramshackle hotel and whinge and gripe about it but it cost them practically nothing so what are they whinging about. They go to a swanky hotel but can't afford it - although they have a two storey house and a car (in 1942 !). Fibber agrees to convince the millionaire to give another guy money in order to have the bill paid, but then the millionaire just gives him the money anyway but then he still continues with the plan (what ??). The millionaire goes to visit some Red Indians wearing rugs for some reason. They then rush out on the horse and cart and everyone blows up.
Awful.
Lucille Ball, who was in the prequel "Look Who's Laughing" could see a turkey and wisely stayed out.
Fibber McGee, who is a tool, throws a party and then no one turns up so he goes on holiday. The car needs new tyres so they take the horse and cart (what ?!!). They stay in a ramshackle hotel and whinge and gripe about it but it cost them practically nothing so what are they whinging about. They go to a swanky hotel but can't afford it - although they have a two storey house and a car (in 1942 !). Fibber agrees to convince the millionaire to give another guy money in order to have the bill paid, but then the millionaire just gives him the money anyway but then he still continues with the plan (what ??). The millionaire goes to visit some Red Indians wearing rugs for some reason. They then rush out on the horse and cart and everyone blows up.
Awful.
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