The Hucksters (1947)

Amusing satire on the world of radio advertising – a niche topic that makes for surprisingly rich material. Clark Gable stars as Victor Norman, a war veteran who ends up working for an advertising agency and finding new ways to sell people Beautee Soap. Deborah Kerr (a straight society widow) and Ava Gardner (a sultry nightclub singer) are the two women he flits between, while Sydney Greenstreet plays the intimidating boss who everyone (except Victor) is terrified of. 

The dialogue sparkles and there are some very funny lines. Gable, perpetually smoking, is charming but perhaps not quite as charming as the film believes he is. 

Where The Hucksters really excels is with its quirky, witty outlook. At one point Victor goes to buy a “sincere” necktie. At another point, he throws money out of the window. And Deborah Kerr’s cute daughter is hilarious.

No comments:

Post a Comment