Intro to "Wide Open Faces""Wide Open Faces" is a comedy movie released in 1938, directed by Kurt Neumann and including a cast that consists of Joe E. Brown, Jane Wyman, and Alison Skipworth. The story revolves around a bumbling protagonist who discovers himself entangled in a series of funny misadventures involving gangsters and a large sum of cash. As normal of the age, the film's humor is based upon slapstick, wordplay, and situational funny.
Plot OverviewThe movie opens with Wilbur Meeks, played by Joe E. Brown, a naive nation bumpkin who works as a bookkeeper at a bank in a town. Meeks is understood for his wide-open face, a feature that makes him appear constantly astonished, which acts as the source of much of the movie's funny.
Meeks inadvertently gets mixed up with gangsters when he comes across a number of them on the run. These gangsters have actually recently robbed a bank and are seeking to leave town quickly. In their rush to evade the law, they decide to use Wilbur's face as a camouflage by producing a life mask that they can utilize as a decoy.
The strategy goes awry when Wilbur, who is at first unaware of the break-in, comes into ownership of the gangsters' loot. He mistakenly thinks the money is his reward for a random act of compassion and begins investing it freely. This draws the attention of the gangster duo, as well as the authorities who are searching for the culprits behind the bank break-in.
Characters and PerformancesJoe E. Brown takes center stage with his signature effervescent and wide-eyed personality. His efficiency is marked by his comic timing and physical comedy, which are showcased throughout the film. Jane Wyman stars opposite Brown, showcasing her versatility as an actress at the start of her career by playing the love interest and partner in criminal activity. Alison Skipworth delivers a significant efficiency as Brown's accomplice, adding to the vibrant and amusing character interplay.
As the pursuit for the taken cash escalates, Wilbur's innocence and unlucky demeanor continually land him in more trouble. In spite of the chances, he stays blissfully unaware of the gravity of his circumstance, supplying a consistent stream of laughs.
Comical Style and Scenes"Wide Open Faces" employs classic comedic techniques characteristic of the 1930s. The humor is derived from the interaction in between the wise, scheming characters of the gangsters and the guileless, truthful Wilbur. A number of remarkable scenes showcase Brown's slapstick expertise, such as when he initially comes across the gangsters and when he is being gone after by both the gangsters and the authorities.
The creation of the life mask is a standout comedic set-piece, where the rubbery features of Brown's face are comically overstated. This specific scene catches the whimsical and somewhat surreal humor the movie is aiming for, constructing a bridge in between the humorous and fantastical components of the story.
Climax and ResolutionThe climax of "Wide Open Faces" shows up when the gangsters, in their final effort to retrieve the loot, challenge Wilbur. In a humorous turn of events, Wilbur handles to outsmart the crooks with an unanticipated stroke of luck and his own clumsy but endearing beauty. The chase culminates in a series of improbable however amusing situations that undoubtedly cause the gangsters' capture by the authorities.
With order brought back and the money returned, Wilbur is hailed as a hero in spite of his mainly unintentional role in fixing the crime. The film concludes on a high note, with Wilbur gaining a newfound regard from his townspeople and a romantic interest in Wyman's character, signaling a pleased ending typical of comedies of its time.
Last Thoughts"Wide Open Faces" remains a lighthearted and amusing example of 1930s comedic movie theater. The film's blend of slapstick, character funny, and a touch of romance serve to produce a wonderful and nostalgic viewing experience, reminding contemporary audiences of the beauty and simpleness of early screwball funnies.
Top Cast
