So This is New York (1948)

There have been a handful of reasons why some films are successful in the box-office and some are not. Some films make a lot of money in movie theaters because either they get big stars, or they get rave reviews from the film critics, or even both. But there have been many films which, despite getting praises from critics, failed miserably in the box office race. Take So This is New York, for example, which was released in 1948. Despite the rave reviews it got from many critics, it was not able to pull off a successful run in movie theaters. The highly satirical movie was based on the novel by Ring Lardner, The Big Town. The assemblage of some of the film industry's finest talents did not help the film make an impression from the movie-going public. The film was written by Carl Foreman who went on to write the screenplays for The Men, High Noon, and Champion. Richard Fleischer (who also directed other famous films such as Fantastic Voyage and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea) was on the helm while Stanley Kramer got his hands on the production aspect of the film. Kramer achieved prominence as a filmmaker during the 1950s and 1960s, whose famous works include Judgment of Nuremberg and The Defiant Ones.

Henry Morgan, the legendary comic and bad boy of radio, appeared in his only starring role in this feature film which featured Ernie Finch for the lead character, a cigar vendor. Morgan was thought to be the perfect character to play the role as he was noted for his caustic humor. During the shooting of the film, though, he was on his own weekly comedy show on ABC Radio (the film's opening credits included Morgan himself outside the store which was being featured in the film). The character Ernie was married to Ella (Virginia Grey) who, along with her fickle sister, has just inherited a fortune from her family to the tune of $60,000. His wife was able to take him to the big city because she wanted to help Kate (Dona Drake), her sister, find a suitable husband. Ella did not like Willis Gilbey (Dave Willock), a butcher, for her sister's husband. Ernie has a premonition on his wife's true intention in New York.

While the trio are on board a slow-moving train to the Big Apple, they meet a stockbroker named Francis Griffin (Jerome Cowan) who, by his looks, is rich and sophisticated. He seems to be the perfect man for Kate, or so, Ella thought. But that seems to be not what preoccupies Francis' mind. The truth is, he is training his eyes on Ernie's wife. Later on, they make acquaintance with another guy, also a wealthy-looking man who introduces himself as Lucius Trumbull (Hugh Herbert), a bachelor who collects antiques. But there are two obstacles between the two: she's much younger than him and he already has a wife. Another prospect comes along and introduces himself as Harbert Daley (Rudy Vallee),  a debonair and wealthy racehorse owner from the South. However, Kate, is not about to get Herbert's attention as she falls for the jockey Sid Mercer (Leo Gorcey) who rides Herbert's racehorse.

Then, Jimmy Ralston (Bill Goodwin) comes along. The stage comic introduces himself to the two sisters and quickly makes his intentions known. He makes a lot of money but he is modest enough not to brag about it. Although he headlines for Ziegfeld Follies, Jimmy is also aspiring to be a dramatic actor. He readily convinces the sisters to star along with him in a play that he wrote, which he is also going to produce and direct himself. Unfortunately, the play is not doing well and they soon become bankrupt. Penniless and no other options available, they will remain in the Big Apple for years to come. Or so it seems. However, the trio manage to return to their hometown and learn their lessons.

Carl Foreman tweaked Lardner's satirical novel in order to adapt to the comic talent of Morgan (Morgan's name was given emphasis at the film's closing credits, dubbed "ABC's comic star) causing his name to appear prominently all over the picture. You will notice it on the scene where Ella and Ernie show up during the opening night of the play, Bridget Sees a Ghost (Kate plays the character Bridget, albeit bit part). The particular scene shows how Morgan dishes out his natural talent as a highly gifted comic. His wisecracking ability should come naturally as a spillover from one of his scripts he did on his radio show. Unlike some of its contemporary, the film steers clear of humor that is over the top or too pompous. It's in this film that translation gag finds its earliest usage-- where the character's own jargon requires translation through subtitles. In this movie, you would find a sample of this gag when the cab driver (played by Phil Arnold) hollered at a man looking for a ride.

So This is New York showcases the talents of its supporting cast providing its major backbone. Some of the minor comic stars on radio were able to showcase their talents and played roles with equal billings. Take Bill Goodwin, for example, as Jimmy Ralston, a hammy comedian and Dave Willock, as Willis Gilbey, the butcher. Both Bill Goodwin and Dave Willock were not big stars on radio-- Goodwin, being the announcer in Bob Hope/Burns & Allen Show and Willock, being the vaudeville partner of Jack Carson. Then there is Leo Gorcey who was seen regularly on Blue Ribbon Town and Bob Burns' radio shows. But it must be Rudy Vallee who probably got the most memorable supporting role in this film where he played his best as a suitor to Morgan's wife's sister.

Another supporting cast member who was able to showcase his talent on New York was Arnold Stang, Morgan's sidekick on his radio shows. Though playing a bit role as a clerk at Western Union, he was able to convince the critics that he can be as hilarious as any gifted comic stars. In one particular scene where he traded barbs with the leading character Finch about a one-word telegram ("Now") Finch was going to send. The clerk was wondering how could that word be understood by the recipient to which Finch replied that his friend would get what he meant. The clerk refused to send it because he didn't understand it himself. But then in frustration, Morgan's Finch told the clerk that he's paying for ten words and just send the telegram just the way it was. He added that he (clerk) may put the rest of the words in other telegrams if he wished to.

Though the film was shot on a low budget, So This is New York  still did not make a profit. (Fleischer was known to shoot movies on a small budget like in his other movies later in his career such as Armored Car Robbery and Follow Me Quietly, both were film noirs). This film, together with the 1960's Murder, Inc., were the only cinematic features that Morgan did in his entire career. Sure, his brief stint in movies didn't make him a superstar, but his humor and comedic talent on radio, as evidenced in surviving audio clips, would remain as his most important contribution to the industry that the present and, most likely, future generations of comedians will adore.