Business and Pleasure (1932)

Business and Pleasure Poster

On a Mediterranean cruise, Earl Tinker, a manufacturer of razor blades, is the target of a femme fatale in the pay of a business rival, and he becomes embroiled in a feud between two Arab tribes.

Intro to "Business and Pleasure"
"Business and Pleasure", released in 1932, is a traditional comedy film directed by David Butler and starring the legendary actor Will Rogers. The movie includes Rogers in the role of Earl Tinker, an American entrepreneur who starts a trip to the Middle East with his household, integrating organization with satisfaction. The film reflects the comedic style of the age and Will Rogers' beauty, as it weaves a humorous tale of cultural clashes and individual escapades.

Plot Overview
As Earl Tinker, Rogers plays the head of an effective steel shaving cream can empire. Choosing to mix company with satisfaction, Tinker takes a trip to the ancient city of Baghdad with the hope of securing an organization deal and at the same time taking a long-overdue vacation with his partner and daughter. The plot focuses on a traditional fish-out-of-water storyline, as Tinker tries to navigate the complexities of a different culture.

After their arrival in the foreign land, Tinker finds himself entranced by the unique allure of the Middle East. His fixation with regional customs and historic artifacts typically results in comedic circumstances, as Tinker's lack of cultural understanding leads to a series of misconceptions and funny occurrences. His fascination with the culture also leads him to end up being enamored with an alluring countess, played by actress Jetta Goudal, complicating his professional goals and his family dynamics.

As Tinker pursues both his company goals and the countess's love, his other half and child find themselves knotted in their own humorous subplots. His interactions with the residents, in addition to the countess's real objectives, offer amusing twists along the method.

Thematic Elements
"Business and Pleasure" checks out numerous styles consisting of culture clash, the allure of the unique, and the balancing act between work dedications and domesticity. Through high-spirited funny, the film discuss the naive American abroad, satirizing the often narrow and mistaken perspectives that tourists can have about foreign cultures. This is depicted through Tinker's bumbling actions and his overconfidence in dealing with regional customizeds.

The movie also shines a light on the stress that expert life can have on individual relationships. Tinker's commitment to his organization inadvertently leads to neglect of his familial duties, a dispute that is fixed with humor and wit common of Will Rogers' movies.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Business and Pleasure" got mixed reviews. While some critics delighted in the film's light-hearted nature and Rogers' efficiency, others found the plot weak and the comical aspects less effective. However, over time, the film has actually gotten a certain level of appreciation for its historical worth and as a car for Rogers' comedic talents.

Will Rogers was a cherished figure in American movie theater during the 1920s and 1930s, and "Business and Pleasure" acts as a testament to his status as a box office draw due to his special blend of homemade humor and satirical commentary on society. The film represents the era's style of comedy and the global fascination with the Middle East during the early 20th century.

Conclusion
In summary, "Business and Pleasure" is a comedic journey into foreign lands with the normal Will Rogers touch. It integrates business travails with the attraction of trip adventures against the backdrop of Middle Eastern culture. While it may not stand apart as a timeless in the cinematic canon, it works as a captivating example of early 1930s humor and the talent of one of America's most renowned humorists of the time.

Top Cast

  • Will Rogers (small)
    Will Rogers
    Earl Tinker
  • Jetta Goudal (small)
    Jetta Goudal
    Madame Momora
  • Joel McCrea (small)
    Joel McCrea
    Lawrence Ogle
  • Dorothy Peterson (small)
    Dorothy Peterson
    Mrs. Jane Olsen Tinker
  • Peggy Ross (small)
    Peggy Ross
    Olivia Tinker
  • Cyril Ring (small)
    Cyril Ring
    Arthur Jones
  • Jed Prouty (small)
    Jed Prouty
    Ben Wackstle
  • Boris Karloff (small)
    Boris Karloff
    Sheik Ali Ben Joseph (uncredited)