Reviewed By Jason LockardFor a kid, like me, who was brought up on classic tv and movies. I have many favorite classic dramatic actors and comedians. One of my favorite comedians is Jack Benny! Known for being eternally 39 years of age. Stingy as all get out. And for being a terrible violin player. None of which were true, but he played it up like a champ.
Jack starred in vaudeville, radio, television and movies. One of my favorite Benny films is George Washington slept here. This amazing film has long since gone out of print on DVD. Enter Warner Archive Collection. They have given this movie a chance to live again on home video through their made-on-demand service.
Geroge Washington Slept here follows the lives of Connie Fuller (Ann Sheridan) and husband, Bill (Jack Benny). Connie has an appreciation for the antique items, spending more than she should most of the time. Finally one day Connie goes overboard and purchases a dilapidated house in the countryside where George Washington was once rumored to have slept.
Getting thrown out of their apartment the couple has no choice but to move into the "fixer-upper." Once there they begin to realize there are more repairs needed than the house seems to be worth. Finding themselves broke from all the repairs and the house coming into foreclosure. The Fuller's must find a way out of the dilemma and maybe it is with the help of Connie's rich uncle. Will they save the house or will they be forced to leave? You'll have to see the find to find out!
This film was masterfully adapted from the stage play of the same name. It was rewritten for Jack. In the original play, the husband is the one buying the house and is the straight man. This was a perfect vehicle for Jack's style of comedy.
Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan is in my opinion is a perfect piece of casting. But beyond this, there is a some amazing supporting cast members including, Charles Coburn, Percy Kilbride and Hattie McDaniel.
I find the film's pacing perfect! From one scene to the next your never bored. The comedy still holds up to this day. Proving that funny will always be funny. No matter how many years pass.
Six years after this film's release in 1948 Cary Grant starred in a similar film Mr. Blandings builds his dream house. Than in 1986 Tom Hanks and Shelly Long would take on a 'The Money Pit'. And while these films are funny, for me there is nothing like the original Jack Benny in George Washington Slept Here.
As for this DVD release. The film has been transfered in it's original full screen format in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. I have to say this copy of the film looks and sounds better than the ones I remember seeing on TV! Warner Archive has done a great job with this DVD. Not only do you get this comedy classic. But you get an absolutely hilarious trailer. It's not your typical trailer that we are used to seeing in this generation either. It has to be seen to be appreciated.
So if your a fan of Jack Benny or just great comedy films "George Washington slept here" is a must addto your collection! You can purchase a copy for yourself at Amazon.com.
Offensive Material: nothing offensive
Audience: families
Genre: Comedy
Movie Length: 1 hour 31 minutes
DVD Value Rating: A
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