Laughter Abounds in Espionage Adventure

Read Time:4 Minute, 23 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
My Favorite Spy (Special Edition) (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Comedy, Crime, Music, Romance
Year Released: 1951, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Norman Z. McLeod
Writer(s): Edmund Beloin, Lou Breslow, Edmund L. Hartmann, Jack Sher, Hal Kanter, Frank Tashlin
Cast: Bob Hope, Hedy Lamarr, Francis L. Sullivan, Mike Mazurki, Marc Lawrence, Arnold Moss, Frank Faylen, John Archer, Angela Clarke, Iris Adrian
Where To Watch: available September 24, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In classic cinema, MY FAVORITE SPY delights audiences with a whirlwind of espionage-flavored laughs, primarily driven by the dynamic duo of Bob Hope and Hedy Lamarr. This comedic caper may not hit the peak of Hope's film achievements, but it carves out a unique spot with its blend of humor and light-hearted spy antics.

MY FAVORITE SPY finds Bob Hope in a double role, playing the hapless burlesque comedian Peanuts White and the smooth operative Eric Augustine. After a lucky twist forces Peanuts to step into the spy's shoes due to an untimely injury, the film launches into a series of misadventures in the exotic alleys of Tangier. The dual role showcases Hope’s versatile comedic talent, making for a charming performance. Peanuts’ clumsy attempts at espionage inject a delightful absurdity into the traditionally tense spy narrative.

Set against the striking backdrop of Tangier, the story amps up the stakes as Peanuts fumbles through his mission to recover critical microfilm. The city's labyrinthine streets provide the perfect chaotic backdrop for a comedy of errors enriched by Hope’s expert timing and vibrant screen presence. Each misstep and mistaken identity adds layers to the film’s comedic texture, proving that sometimes, the best spy is a comedian in disguise.

Diverging from her usual dramatic roles, Hedy Lamarr brings a refreshing comedic elegance as the enchanting Lily Dalbray. Her interactions with Hope are infused with an electric chemistry that transcends the typical screen romance, combining allure with a sharp comedic edge. Lamarr's ability to counter with a poignant comeback with equal finesse deepens her character beyond the typical cinematic siren of the era, making her both formidable and endearing.

On the flip side, Francis L. Sullivan's portrayal of the antagonist, Karl Brubaker, offers a delightful contrast to Hope's frenetic energy. Sullivan’s Brubaker anchors the film’s villainy with a humorously stoic demeanor, delivering his lines with a deadpan delivery that perfectly offsets the comedic chaos surrounding him.

The physical comedy in MY FAVORITE SPY, especially the climactic chase that could rival the antics of the Keystone Cops, is a testament to the film's dedication to the slapstick tradition. Hope's physical antics, particularly a daring dash through Tangier atop a fire truck ladder, blend risk with slapstick to significant comedic effect.

Directed by Norman Z. McLeod, the film occasionally resembles a series of connected comedy sketches. This episodic structure might detract from its narrative flow but plays into the film's strengths by keeping the spotlight on the comedic scenarios and Hope’s charismatic execution. McLeod’s direction ensures that the laughs are plentiful and the pacing brisk, making the most of the script’s vibrant dialogue and situational comedy.

Unapologetically self-aware, MY FAVORITE SPY embraces its identity as a spoof of the spy genre. Its script includes characters who occasionally break the fourth wall, adding a meta-humor layer that invites the audience in on the joke. This self-referential style enriches the film, celebrating its genre influences while poking fun at them.

While it may not be the defining feature of Bob Hope’s storied career, MY FAVORITE SPY stands out for its successful blend of humor and adventure. The film’s light-hearted take on espionage, with Hope’s impeccable comedic delivery and Lamarr’s unexpected comedic chops, makes it a must-watch for fans and new viewers alike. The film delivers laughs and thrills equally, proving that humor is a deadly weapon even in the spy game.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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