All American Chump

I thought this film was really enjoyable. This film isn't a message movie but rather just designed to provide some light entertainment to make people feel better in the midst of the Great Depression. I found the cast splendid with Stuart Erwin a delight to watch as the lead. He plays a country bumpkin who happens to excel at math so is used by corrupt carnival barkers (headed by Robert Armstrong) to make money by winning a bridge tournament. Yes, the story sounds a little far-fetched on paper, but the talented cast makes it work and I absolutely loved the ending which I won't give away. Edmund Gwenn is wonderful as the alcoholic associate of Robert Armstrong's character and Betty Furness is excellent as Edmund Gwenn's character's daughter. Edward Brophy and Dewey Robinson as a couple of gangsters are excellent as well! One area of improvement for the film would have been to have expanded the bridge-playing scenes with E.E. Clive as the opponent of Stuart Erwin. But otherwise this was a lot of fun!