User reviews

This is a typical ROAD movie with the boys chasing Lamour as the audience waits to see who Dotty will wind up with. The script is pure escapist, light-hearted stuff and everyone seems to enjoy the tongue in cheek style of all the gags.

Bing is his usual affable self, tossing off a few songs in the Crosby manner--the best of which is "Moonlight Becomes You". Dorothy Lamour is at her peak of lush beauty as the princess and manages to keep a straight face while the boys cut capers. Bob Hope shines in a part totally suited to his comic skills with one-liners and double takes that keep the high spirits flowing.

If you're a fan of ROAD movies, you'll definitely enjoy this one--although my own personal favorite is still ROAD TO UTOPIA.

The Road to Morocco is the best of Crosby/Hope road movies, in my humble opinion. Yes, the plot is paper thin, but the comedy and self-deprecating humor is there. Much of the comedy is slapstick, but this is a movie that's not afraid to say "It's just a movie, don't take it seriously." In the first song, Crosby and Hope allude to it being just another road movie. Naturally they'll meet Dorothy Lamour, and they have nothing to fear, because Paramount will protect them. This is not a movie to have a serious, philosophical discussion about. This is a movie to pop into the VCR on a Saturday night and forget about your worries.

Bob Hope is a very underappreciated performer. Of course, he was better as a comedian than as a movie actor, but that's just because he resigned himself to making lightweight comedies like this one. This comedy is very funny; yes, it's pretty lightweight, but what did you expect?

I like all the "Road to" pictures, but this is the best that I've seen. Of course, you won't get any great plots or intricate character development with them, but they are highly entertaining. Likewise, "Road to Morocco" is a very funny movie, if not a bit uneven. See this movie for some good laughs.

P.S. This movie is definitely harmless, despite the comment written by someone who seems to think it's homophobic. I'm wondering if he watched the same movie that I did.

It's amazing to me that Dorothy Lamour could keep a straight face during the shenanigans of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope while filming. Apparently she had a great time with them, which is no surprise.

The boys wind up in Morocco in this film, and as usual, Bing's character can't wait to throw poor Bob under the bus - or, in this case, caravan. This time, Bing gets money to pay a restaurant bill by selling Bob into slavery. It turns out Bob is to be the groom of the glamorous Lamour. He's having a blast, though he writes to Bing that he's being tortured daily. As usual, Dorothy falls for Bing.

People might think I'm crazy, but I just love the '40s Bob Hope. He was adorable and very funny. Crosby gets to sing the beautiful "Moonlight Becomes You," an added bonus.

The stories are always the same, set in different locales, and they're always funny. Just two guys ad-libbing and goofing around. Hope plays his own aunt, an apparition. Enjoy.

Typical Hope and Crosby nonsense. More of a "big budget home movie" than anything else, but funny and enjoyable anyhow.

By the Time "Morocco" was created, the Road Pictures had been embraced and enjoyed and the formula was set in stone: An exotic locale, Dorothy Lamour, a couple of songs and go easy on the script because Bob and Bing are gonna "jab-lib" their way through it regardless. The result here is a slick and entertaining yarn about absolutely nothing. Don't let the current climate of "Islam/Arab/Terrorism" mindset disturb you about the on screen antics because this was filmed in a different era and has nothing to do with the goings on in our world today.

Bing gets a chance to croon the very lovely Moonlight Becomes You, which to this day is still one of the most touching love songs ever written; Bob gets to do his "screen persona schtick" and it is hilarious; Dorothy has a forgettable song and a funny reprise of Moonlight Becomes You, sung in the desert accompanied by the boys and it is extremely funny. Anthony Quinn (who was a Road Picture Regular) returns in a typical villain role in which he does his best.

A couple of notes. Early in the picture Bob and Bing get involved with a camel who licks them. At the end of this routine as they prepare to ride away on the beast it spits at Bob. This was NOT in the script. The camel ad-libbed and the reactions of both Hope and Crosby are genuine. The director liked the take so much he used it in the final cut. Secondly, it took forever for the boys to sing the theme song, The Road to Morocco. It seems that every time they got to the lyric " . . . like Webster's Dictionary we're Morocco bound. . . " they'd break up over that lyric and would have to re-shoot the song.

It's a breezy, light-weight, fun evening with Der Bingle and Old Slope Nose. Make yourself a bowl of popcorn, grab a large soda and laugh away for 82 minutes. It'll do you good!

Saw this one 4 or 5 years back and it was much funnier on that first viewing. Still, it's good harmless fun in the 40's style and features two classic tunes. Hope and Crosby wash ashore and kick off on the road to Morocco in a fairly entertaining first 20 minutes or so. Then things sag in the middle and pick up again toward the end. Paramount never was after winning awards with their road pictures but one wishes Hope and Crosby would have been given a more polished - and longer - script in which to do their thing. For all their screwy humor the series just comes across as a hastily produced mishmash of ideas and skits. Strictly meat and potatoes comedy. The potential was there to do so much more but Paramount at the time was just above a B Movie studio. As far as the performers Crosby is easily the most professional. More often than not Hope over-mugs and struggles to find the right timing. So many of his pictures without Crosby were abject failures. As much as I respect Bob Hope he was a far better radio/stage personality than he was a movie comedian. His USO performances during the war must have been something quite special. Anthony Quinn, Dorothy Lamour, and Dona Drake are just along for the camel ride so don't expect any scene stealing from them. Road to Morocco isn't the greatest movie you'll ever see but it will provide some worthwhile moments and a few chuckles.

Talking camels that manifest falsehood in moments of battle. Best friend rivalry over a beautiful princess in another distant time, in another exotic setting. Unconvincing sets of desert and sea make viewing a bit of an eyesore for those wary of its artificial conception. However, the interiors are done with just the right touch incapable for MGM to create with over doing the sets entirely without a hint of Ziegfeld. Nor is anyone overdressed inappropriately.

Even better, "Morocco" has a hilarious and brilliant script directed by a Paramount director that obviously has an important asset essential for the trademark mix of these films, a sense of humour. Some of the most memorable scenes from any of the "Road" films occur in "Road to Morocco". And they certainly couldn't belong anywhere else.

Perhaps today the third film of the series is unjustly best remembered for some of the hit songs it spawned, "Moonlight Becomes You" and the title song. However, other songs featured in the score should not be forgotten, despite the loveliness and catchiness of the other two.

However, this film has something brilliant going for it that is sometimes missing in other screwball or highly comic films of the era. There is no Cary Grant, and no Carole Lombard. Yet all the actors manage successfully with zany screwball antics typically capable of the above at the highest of standards. The best thing the film has is Bing, Bob and Dottie and the teaming of the trio should not be forgotten as possibly one of the best in comedies.

What this film must have done to wartime morale is amazing in a solemn era difficult to forget post Depression era. Yet today it remains as fresh as ever and anything else featuring Crosby, Hope and Lamour should not be passed over. It was certainly an unexpected gem of a surprise, and probably one of the few movies where the same jokes can get away with working twice.

Whatever its flaws, "Morocco" is one of my twenty favourite films of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, and the fact it's got a short time is even a greater bonus.

Yet once the all too rare movie magic of the film sets in, you never want the road to end.

Rating: 10/10

After accidentally causing their ship to sink "Orville Jackson" (Bob Hope) and his buddy "Jeff Peters" (Bing Crosby) find themselves drifting in the middle of the ocean on a small raft with no food or water. Fortunately, they discover land in the distance and eventually manage to make their way to shore. Not long afterward they come across a camel and ride on it through the desert to a nearby city. At that point Jeff sells Orville to a slave trader and after finding out that he is being tortured decides to rescue him. It's at this time that Jeff discovers that nothing could be further from the truth as Orville is actually having a great time and is soon to marry "Princess Shalmar" (Dorothy Lamour). Unfortunately, a powerful warlord named "Mullay Kasim" (Anthony Quinn) also has his eyes set on Princess Shalmar and he has no intention of allowing anybody to marry her. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a nice little comedy which complements the "Road Series" rather well. Even though they play different characters in each film I especially liked the continuing dynamics and the between the three main characters who seem to be having a good time in the process. In any case, although it is clearly dated and as a result may not be a top-of-the-line film these days, I still found it somewhat enjoyable and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

What shocked me about THE ROAD TO MOROCCO is the self referential post modernism , ie the characters know they`re in a film . Bob and Bing sing a song about meeting Dorothy Lamour while later Bing turns to Bob and says " Hey if we were tied up how did we get out of the sacks ? " to which Bob replies " If I told you they`d < The audience > know too " and later on a camel ( And I`m not making this up ) turns to the camera and says " This is the loopiest movie I ever did see " . I didn`t actually know that people in the 1940s went in for a post modernist approach and had always believed it was a 1960s thing . One other thing that shook me was the portrayal of Arabs which I doubt would be allowed in these PC times , it`s a very strange experience seeing a comedy at the expense of stereotypical Arabs

It`s a pity no one is allowed to poke fun at ethnic groups nowadays because I would have liked to have seen Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson in THE ROAD TO KABUL where our two heroes get involved in a Talebunnie wedding . What`s a Talebunnie Theo ? A Talebunnie is a member of the regime that used to rule Afghanistan untill a couple of years ago when an American led coalition intervened in the country and the Talebunnies hopped away like frightened rabbits

Boing Boing Boing

Don`t bomb us Mister coalition airforce . We were only obeying the will of Allah

Boing Boing Boing

With Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour all in good form, plus an interesting if wacky story, "Road to Morocco" is rather enjoyable despite the goofy nature of a lot of the material. It has a good variety of settings and comic material that help it keep going, and for all that much if it is silly, it is always good-natured and sometimes imaginative.

The desert setting and characters work all right as long as you don't take them too seriously or view it as any kind of commentary. The gently comic view of the characters and their habits is the source of some good gags, and the contrast between the locals and the two main characters is also used relatively well. There are several self-referential jokes (perhaps a couple too many) to make sure nothing is taken too seriously.

Besides Hope and Crosby, Lamour seems to relish her chance to play a princess, and Anthony Quinn is a suitably menacing adversary. Overall, it has to rank among the better of the stars' collaborations, not memorable so much for the material as for the chance to see the performers together.

The third "Road" film has Hope and Crosby lost at sea and winding up in Morocco as prospective grooms for princess Lamour, unaware that she's to be widowed a week after the wedding. Although the script lacks a narrative flow that would sustain the comedy, the gags come at a rapid pace, including asides to the audience. There's even a talking camel worried about his film career, commenting "this is the screwiest picture I was ever in." Of course there are musical interludes, including the funny title song. Hope and Crosby seem to be having a lot of fun, with the former doing double duty as the late Aunt Lucy, who speaks to the boys from the beyond.

The long series Road to, of the duo comic Bob Hope & Bing Crosby are really priceless movies ever made on the 40', now in Morocco they always try mislead each other telling lies compusively, betraying all the time, anyway they are really cheaters, also there are a endless bittersweet jokes in every lines along the movie, in a non stopping laughing process, the songs already dated today are pleasant for Crosby's fans only, could be shot in color, will be more suitable such delightful scenes, the relaxed, easy-going atmosphere made everyone plentiful confortable, still a fine and meaningful entertainment almost 80 years ahead, sadly few Bob Hope's DVD come out officially here in Brazil, this one l'd recorded on TCM with original dubbed version!!

Resume:

First watch: 2010 / How many: 2 / Source: DVD-R / Rating: 7.5

Road To Morocco (1942) : Brief Review -

Bob Hope and Bing Crosby set the Moroccan desert on fire with a hysterical "Road To.." franchise comedy. The "Road to.." franchise, featuring the deadly duo of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, was all about fun and madness. You can't look for logic, or they'll just kill you with their words. The previous best comedy I remember from this franchise was "Road To Utopia" (1945). I went wrong with the line-up, but I don't think that matters much here. So, the Utopia flick was goddamn hilarious, as the characters and plot just went wild. In Road To Morocco, the idea is again mad enough, but very predictable. Jeff and Turkey are cast away on a desert shore, and the first conflict in the film sees Turkey getting sold into slavery to a princess by his own friend Jeff. The princess wishes to marry him, but this nuptial process hasn't got anything to do with the love-it relationship. It's her personal agenda, based on some astronomical tricks. Jeff also gets interested in the princess, so now it's a battle between two friends to win her. But wait, is this wedding really going to be prosperous? Let's not spoil the fun. Bob Hope has got some solid punchlines here, and he makes sure every single one hits your stomach. He might have won an Academy Award if they had any special category for such nonsense and hysterical characters. From man-to-man stuff to goose-and-peacock comparisons, he is just unbeatable. Aunt Lucy's 'Here comes Mr. Jordan' didn't harm Robert Montgomery, I guess. Crosby got some finger jokes too, though his character is not that hilarious. Hope and Crosby's fun pair strikes laughter-mine again. Bing's typical musical gesture was always welcomed. Dorothy Lamour looks gorgeous, and I don't see anyone playing the Arab king better than Anthony Quinn. Overall, it's a fine musical comedy, as director David Butler cooks it with a regular recipe of traditional franchise fun.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Two carefree castaways on a desert shore find an Arabian Nights city, where they compete for the luscious Princess Shalmar.

Bosley Crowther liked it: "Let us be thankful that Paramount is still blessed with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, and that it has set its cameras to tailing these two irrepressible wags on another fantastic excursion, Road to Morocco, which came to the Paramount yesterday. For the screen, under present circumstances, can hold no more diverting lure than the prospect of Hope and Crosby ambling, as they have done before, through an utterly slaphappy picture, picking up Dorothy Lamour along the way and tossing acid wisecracks at each other without a thought for reason or sense...The short of it is that Road to Morocco is a daffy, laugh-drafting film. And you'll certainly agree with the camel which, at one point, offers the gratuitous remark, "This is the screwiest picture I was ever in." The camel remark is pretty funny, and the movie as a whole is quite a treat. I can't say I'm a big Bob Hope fan, but I love Bing Crosby, and together they make quite a pair. This isn't laugh-out-loud funny but it has a very vaudeville-ish sense to it, where the routines are so hackneyed and cliché, but you can't help but appreciate them.

Another enjoyable 'Road Show! One of my Favorites.

Crosby and Hope are at their best in this one. Watch for the scene where Hope mimics a starving beggar in the street, its especially entertaining. No matter what Hope tries in the 'Road Shows' he is always foiled, with Crosby always the cool, smooth operator. Anthony Quinn does a superb performance as the domineering Sheik in this light hearted comedy, playing funny scenes as a straight man. Dorothy Lamour as the 'damsel in distress' is as Lovely as ever.

Hope and Crosby are a delightful team, their playful banter and comedic timing are on the money with this one. This is a 'Must See' comedy!

Bing Crosby and Bob Hope made seven "Road To..." movies. TCM says this is the best of the bunch so I figured I'd give it a shot. Glad I did. Just enough silly hijinx and witty banter to keep me entertained these past two mornings.

And if you thinking breaking the fourth wall is a modern technique this 82 year old film will prove you wrong. I particularly enjoyed this exchange:

Bob Hope: A fine thing. First, you sell me for two hundred bucks. Then I'm gonna marry the Princess; then you cut in on me. Then we're carried off by a desert sheik. Now, we're gonna have our heads chopped off.

Bing Crosby: I know all that.

Hope: Yeah, but the people who came in the middle of the picture don't.

Crosby: You mean they missed my song?

7 out of 10 stars for me. Very enjoyable.

Extremely funny third "Road" movie starring Hope, Crosby and Lamour, possibly the best in the series. In what is almost literally a laugh-a-minute, the two stars riff off each other to the manner born, their timing impeccable and seeming ad-libs spontaneous and hilarious.

The classic scenes are more and near between. My favourites include the nodding-heads scene when the boys are hiding from Anthony Quinn's gaze, Hope's hilarious exposition scene, (for the folk who only came in halfway through the movie) and his Oscar grabbing scene at end. There are loads of snappy one-liners too, the stars not too proud to send themselves up - Crosby makes a crack about Hope's nose while Hope spoofs Crosby's crooning. Dorothy Lamour looks suitably exotic and has no problem yet again convincing the viewer of her ability to bewitch her usual three men, Hope Crosby and Anthony Quinn, all as usual. While Bob, unsurprisingly loses Dorothy once again to Bing he surprisingly this time gets a girl of his own by the finish.

The songs are fine too ("Ho-Hum", "Constantly", "Moonlight Becomes You" and the jokey title song) and are much better woven into the flow of the film than on previous journeys.

All in all, one of the funniest comedies from Hollywood's Golden Age, it quite rightly cemented the reputation of the "Road" franchise and kept the threesome on their travels for a road or two yet.

You must watch at least one of the seven "Road" comedies that Bing Crosby and Bob Hope made together, and this one would be a good choice. It features a lot of music, most notably "Moonlight Becomes You," and it gives you some sense of the duo's appeal in these silly sexist capers. Dorothy Lamour had a lot to do with it, as the object of their desire, but I'll never forget going to see the last of seven Road picture, "The Road to Hong Kong," in 1962 and finding Lamour in a cameo role instead of the female lead. Apparently the boys considered her too old at forty-eight to be desirable; the lead went to Joan Collins, who was thirty years younger than the boys. It must have taken all of Lamour's acting ability to appear flattered by their sophomoric shenanigans. Road to Singapore, Road to Zanzibar, Road to Rio (1947) and Road to Bali (1952) all feature the old lechers slobbering over "exotic" young women with little notable music. Singapore, Zanzibar, and Bali offer no memorable songs, but Rio gives us Crosby doing a sweet version of "But Beautiful," a classic written by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen, and Utopia gives Lamour the chance to perform the witty "Personality" by the same writing duo. --from Musicals on the Silver Screen, American Library Association, 2013

I'll give it a two because it has a lot of music, otherwise it would be a one.

I saw this movie for the first time tonight and it's the first "Road" picture I've seen. I was expecting waaaaay better. Robert Osborn says this is the best of the Road movies. If that's true I needn't bother to see the others. The best thing about this movie is that it has a lot of songs in the first half, but that's balanced out by only one production number with dancing in the entire movie.

I didn't like the movie. Neither Hope nor Crosby came across all that well, their characters weren't very charming, the movie was not funny at all, most of the dialog was just lame filler, there wasn't much action, there wasn't much spectacle.

The movie wasn't what I expected. I was expecting more "Road," but there isn't much. They quickly make it to the palace and then most of the movie takes place there, until the end. I was also expecting a lot more of the famous "road" style of breaking the fourth wall, wherein the characters talk directly to the audience or comment on the plot. There was only about 4 instances of that. One of those is an example of the non-funny humor of this script:

(Hope recaps the plot up to now to Crosby) Crosby: I know all that! Hope: Yeah but the people that came in half-way through the picture don't. Crosby: You mean they missed my song?

Those are two weak punchlines, but at least they are actually jokes. Much of the rest of the script doesn't even have any jokes. An example is:

Crosby: Remind me to throw you a piece of cheese in the morning. (Indirectly calling Hope a rat).

That's not funny at all, it barely even qualifies as a joke, but that's the kind of non-joke dialog that carries most of the movie. Many of the scenes don't even come that close to a joke, just using generic uninteresting dialog like:

Crosby: Hey, whadda ya' take me for? You think that you can just throw me to the dogs? Hope: Well why not, you did it to me didn't you? Crosby: Yeah but that's because I was lookin' out for us. You're not lookin' out for nobody. Hope: Oh yeah? Well then why did I pay the check?

(the above is just from my memory. It's not exact but it illustrates to you what I mean).

And so on....just generic dialog with no jokes at all.

My grade: A waste of time.