Sullivan's Travels (1941)

All Critics (33) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (0) | DVD (19)

Sturges' dialog is trenchant, has drive, possesses crispness and gets the laughs where that is desired.

June 27, 2007 Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Top Critic

A dubious proposition, but in Sturges's hands a charming one, filled out by his unparalleled sense of eccentric character.

June 27, 2007 Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

Sullivan's Travels is a gem, an almost serious comedy not taken entirely seriously, with wonderful dialogue, eccentric characterisations, and superlative performances throughout.

February 9, 2006 Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Top Critic

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Sullivan's Travels is one of the screen's more 'significant' films.

May 20, 2003

Bosley Crowther

New York Times

Top Critic

a highly satirical piece, poking fun at Hollywood itself and showing how out of touch it can be

April 18, 2012 Full Review

Kevin Carr

7M Pictures

Brainy Hollywood classic about importance of comedy.

July 26, 2011 Full Review

Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

It is, quite simply, a dazzling piece of filmmaking.

October 19, 2009 Full Review

Robert Roten

Laramie Movie Scope

Not remotely a defense of junk, but it does respect comedy as a force for escapism.

February 3, 2009 Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

eFilmCritic.com

...just not as funny as its choir of supporters have made it out to be.

January 8, 2007 Full Review

Chris Barsanti

Filmcritic.com

A delicious tragi-comedy set during the Great Depression.

April 1, 2005 Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Forgotten for years along with its maker, writer/director Preston Sturges, Sullivan's Travels has only recently enjoyed a comeback and induction into classic status.

March 7, 2005 Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Its message drags it from the front guard of Sturges's work, but it shines nonetheless.

July 8, 2004

Jake Euker

F5 (Wichita, KS)

The genius of this classic opening scene is that Sullivan's Travels is both screwball comedy and socially conscious melodrama — as well as a satire of socially conscious melodrama, and a serious apologetic for crowd-pleasing comedy.

September 12, 2003 Full Review

Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films Guide

• 1. The Girl: You've taken all the joy out of life. I was all through with this kind of stuff. I mean, I knew I'd never have it - but there was no envy in my heart. I'd found a friend who'd swipe a car to take me home..., now I'm right back where I started: just an extra-girl having breakfast with a director. Only I didn't used to have breakfast with them. Maybe that was my trouble.
  2. John L. Sullivan: Did they ever ask you to?
  3. The Girl: No
  4. John L. Sullivan: Well then don't pat yourself on the back.
  5. The Girl: Take me with you.
  6. John L. Sullivan: What?
  – Submitted by Christopher B (2 months ago)
• 1. The Girl: I'm sorry I pushed you in the water too.
  2. John L. Sullivan: I probably needed it.
  3. The Girl: You certainly did.
  4. John L. Sullivan: Did I?
  5. The Girl: I didn't mind you. In fact, I had kind of a yin for you.
  6. John L. Sullivan: You have?
  7. The Girl: Not in that thing. I liked you better as a tramp.
  8. John L. Sullivan: Well I can't help the kind of people you like.
  – Submitted by Christopher B (2 months ago)
• 1. The Girl: Where's the swimming pool, you must have a swimming pool.
  – Submitted by Christopher B (2 months ago)
• 1. Mr. Lebrand: Get me a copy of that "Oh brother, where art thou!",I guess I'll have to read it now. Make that two copies! Why should I have to suffer alone?
  – Submitted by Christopher B (2 months ago)
• 1. John L. Sullivan: He gets a bit gruesome every once in a while.
  2. Sullivan's Valet: Yes, always reading books, sir.
  – Submitted by Christopher B (2 months ago)
• 1. John L. Sullivan: There's a lot to be said for making people laugh. Did you know that's all some people have? It isn't much, but it's better than nothing in this cockeyed caravan. Boy!
  – Submitted by Chris P (2 years ago)

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