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Never a Dull Moment (1968 film)
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Wikipedia article
'Never a Dull Moment' is a 1968 American heist comedy crime film from Walt Disney Productions starring Dick Van Dyke and Edward G. Robinson and directed by Jerry Paris. The script by A. J. Carothers was based on a novel by John Godey. The supporting cast features Dorothy Provine, Henry Silva, Slim Pickens and Jack Elam. Master cartoonist Floyd Gottfredson created a comic strip, 'Astro Pooch', to be used as a prop in the film.
It was re-released theatrically on April 15, 1977 on a double bill with a re-edited version of 'The Three Caballeros' (1944) in featurette form.
Plot
Second-rate actor Jack Albany finds himself mistaken for fiendish killer Ace Williams and whisked off to master gangster Leo Smooth's fortified mansion. He is forced to continue with the charade what with all the rough-looking hoods around, even when he finds he is to play a deadly role in the theft of the painting "Field of Sunflowers", a 40 foot long masterpiece by Dubreaux (a fictional artist). But at least there is lovely art teacher Sally who could become an ally — if she ever believes his story.
Further complications ensue when the real Ace Williams shows up, making it even more difficult for Albany to keep up his false identity. Eventually, Albany outwits the gangsters and foils the robbery.
Cast
* Dick Van Dyke as Jack Albany
* Edward G. Robinson as Leo Joseph Smooth
* Dorothy Provine as Sally Inwood
* Henry Silva as Frank Boley
* Joanna Cook Moore as Melanie Smooth
* Tony Bill as Florian
* Slim Pickens as Cowboy Schaeffer
* Jack Elam as Ace Williams
* Ned Glass as Rinzy Tobreski
* Richard Bakalyan as Bobby Macoon
* Mickey Shaughnessy as Francis
* Philip Coolidge as Fingers Felton
* James Millhollin as Museum Director
* Eleanor Audley as Society Matron
Reception
Howard Thompson of 'The New York Times' gave 'Never a Dull Moment' a largely negative review, calling it "good-natured" but claiming that "most of it seems mighty strenuous and over-worked." Thompson saved most of his praise for the cartoon that accompanied the film, a reissue of Disney's 'Three Little Pigs' from 1933. (This short also accompanied releases of 'The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band' in some cities.)Thompson, Howard (August 15, 1968). [https://www.nytimes.com/1968/08/15/archives/never-a-dull-moment.html 'Never a Dull Moment']. 'The New York Times'. Arthur D. Murphy of 'Variety' called it "a very amusing crime comedy" if "a bit long and talky."Murphy, Arthur D. (May 15, 1968). "Film Reviews: Never A Dull Moment". 'Variety'. 26. Charles Champlin of the 'Los Angeles Times' declared it "the breeziest and most likeable Disney comedy in some time, with a verve and (relative) sophistication which can engage the favoring interest of the grown-ups as well as the moppets."Champlin, Charles (August 9, 1968). "Disney Sprinkles Salt on Innocence in 'Moment'". 'Los Angeles Times'. Part IV, p. 1. Clifford Terry of the 'Chicago Tribune' wrote, "The Disney studio comedy starts off amusingly enough, then loses its freshness after the first half hour. But the kids probably won't notice."Terry, Clifford (August 7, 1968). "[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/37833699/ 'Never Dull' Is Frantic]". 'Chicago Tribune'. Section 2, p. 8. 'The Monthly Film Bulletin' stated, "With no pretensions to being anything but a rollicking farce, this slight but intermittently amusing comedy largely succeeds on its own modest level."
See also
* List of American films of 1968
* 'The Umbrella Coup' (1980)
References
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