THE INSPECTOR GENERAL (1949)
Directed by Henry Koster. Most freely
adapted from Nikolai Gogol's classic Russian story, this is musical,
energetic Go-Go-Gogol, with a very funny, often maniacal Danny Kaye. The
illiterate snake-oil accolyte of Walter Slezak, he is mistaken by the
corrupt officials of a small Russian town for the much-feared Inspector
General, an envoy of Napoleon. The numbers, gags, and jokes, range from a
few slim ones to many that are most farcical, and make for a most engaging
and entertaining fantasy. The funniest line may be when the real
Inspector General prevents the execution of impostor Kaye : " He's the
first honest man I've met since I left Budapest." Fine, clownish cast
includes Elsa Lanchester, Alan Hale, and Gene Lockhart. (Edwin Jahiel)
Copyright © Edwin Jahiel
Movie Reviews by Edwin Jahiel