Road to Singapore
Directed by Victor Schertzinger
Written by Don Hartman and Frank Butler based on a story by Harry Hervey
1940/USA
Paramount Pictures
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Ace Lannigan: I just want you to stand there and admire me for a while. I just got an idea that’s gonna make us a fortune. I don’t know how I do it.[/box]
It looks like the cast had a very good time making the first in a series of seven “Road” pictures.
Josh Mallon (Bing Crosby) is the son of a wealthy shipping family but prefers to bum around with his pal Ace Lannigan (Bob Hope). His father (Charles Coburn) is pressuring him to settle down, get married, and become active in the family business. Instead, Josh and Ace take off for Singapore where they meet and vie for the affections of beautiful Mima (Dorothy Lamour). Hilarity and songs follow.
Evidently, Singapore resembled a South Sea island in 1940, at least in the minds of the filmmakers. This is a light fun romp with some catchy tunes. The best part of these movies is the evident camaraderie among the key players. They sometimes seem to be making it up as they go along.
Trailer
