Sullivan’s Travels

My friends Cameron and Tyler organized a movie night at The Invisible Dog Art Center last night. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a movie that dates back to 1941. I admit, I was afraid it would be a tad bit too slow for my taste. But boy, was I wrong.

Sullivan’s Travels is a fantastic movie, that kept me on the edge of my seat and made me want to rewind a few times so I can write down some of the dialogues.

About the movie: Sullivan is a successful, spoiled, and naive director of fluff films, with a heart-o-gold, who decides he wants to make a film about the troubles of the downtrodden poor. Much to the chagrin of his producers, he sets off in tramp’s clothing with a single dime in his pocket to experience poverty first-hand, and gets some reality shock. Written by Bob Doolittle.

In 1990, Sullivan’s Travels was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked it as the #61 Greatest Movie of All Time, the first inclusion of this film on the list. In addition, the movie’s poster was ranked as #19 of “The 25 Best Movie Posters Ever” by Premiere.

If you have a chance to watch it, please do. It’s time well spent.

5 Comments leave a comment below

  1. Have you really never seen a movie from 1941 or thereabouts before? Oh, my. I’m scared to think this is a widespread condition! You might also very much enjoy Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, The Palm Beach Story, CASABLANCA, etc. !! (?) ! Thank you for the post!

  2. “I’m training to be a Whippet Tanker!”

    Possibly the best random crackpot scene in any movie I’ve watched.

  3. “Have you really never seen a movie from 1941 or thereabouts before? Oh, my. I’m scared to think this is a widespread condition!”

    It is normal for the younger generation to be wary of and to reject the old. The wisdom gained from time, life experience and age takes care of that.

  4. movies from the late 30s and early 40s are hugely underrated. i recommend Philadelphia Story for your viewing.

  5. I’m usually bored & antsy during older movies: the technical issues, the pace, the writing… But there’s something about Preston Sturges pictures that transcend the problems. He invented the madcap comedy. His dialogue is always better than best.