Kockenlocker and Ratzkiwatski


I am a fan of the old time movies, the really old time movies. (Now and then I run across someone who admits they haven't seen Citizen Kane, or Casablanca, which leaves me full of The Sorrow and the Pity.) Since they "just don't make them like that anymore," it can be a little sad sometimes to think that you've seen all the classics, and if you're in the mood for an old time movie you'll just have to watch one you've watched before.

That is why I am pleased to report today my personal discovery of The Miracle of Morgan's Creek. I can't hardly say this is a little-known gem - most critics call it a Preston Sturges classic - but not having delved far into the Sturges library, this one came as a real unexpected joy. Especially since I have never found the greatness in Sturges' best-known film, Sullivan's Travels, though I have tried it more than once. After watching The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, I may have to try it again, because Sturges was really something special.

You can get the plot and the reviews other places (IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes for example) so I won't plow that field, but if you are an observer of American culture, and you like farce, this is a movie you should see. To call it subversive is on target - you'll be amazed that it got past the Hays Office - with layers of lampoons on politicians, religion, and small town America. It's a unique combination of old school knockabout slapstick and some of the most rapid-fire comedic dialogue ever seen.

I'm off to check my Netflix queue now. If you want to know about Kockenlocker and Ratzkiwatski, you'll just have to watch this movie for yourself.

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