Sullivan's Travels (1941)
Average Rating: 8.7/10
Reviews Counted: 30
Fresh: 30 | Rotten: 0
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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 3 | Rotten: 0
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Average Rating: 4.2/5
User Ratings: 7,883
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Movie Info
In Preston Sturges' classic comedy of Depression-era America, filmmaker John L. Sullivan (Joel McCrea), fed up with directing profitable comedies like "Ants in Your Plants of 1939," is consumed with the desire to make a serious social statement in his upcoming film, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" Unable to function in the rarefied atmosphere of Hollywood, Sullivan decides to hit the road, disguised as a tramp, and touch base with the "real" people of America. But Sullivan's studio transforms his
Dec 1, 1941 Wide
Aug 21, 2001
Paramount Pictures
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Cast
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Joel McCrea
John L. Sullivan -
Veronica Lake
The Girl -
William Demarest
Mr. Jones -
Franklin Pangborn
Mr. Casalais -
Robert Warwick
Mr. Lebrand -
Porter Hall
Mr. Hadrian -
Robert Greig
Sullivan's Butler -
Eric Blore
Sullivan's Valet -
Byron Foulger
Mr. Valdelle -
Maggie Hayes
Secretary -
Torben Meyer
Doctor -
Richard Webb
Radio Man -
Charles R. Moore
Chef -
Roscoe Ates
Counterman -
Billy Bletcher
Entertainer in Hospital -
Monte Blue
Cop in slums -
Al Bridge
The Mister -
Jess Lee Brooks
Black Preacher -
Jan Buckingham
Mrs. Sullivan -
Chick Collins
Capital -
Chester Conklin
Old Bum -
Jimmy Conlin
Trusty -
Edgar Dearing
Cop -
Robert Dudley
One-Legged Bum -
Jimmie Dundee
Labor -
Harry Hayden
Mr. Carson -
Edward Hearn
Cop Beverly Hills Stati... -
Esther Howard
Miz Zeffie -
Arthur Hoyt
Preacher -
-
Perc Launders
Yard Man -
John Farrell MacDonald
Desk Sergeant -
Howard Mitchell
Railroad Clerk -
Frank Moran
Tough Chauffeur -
Paul Newlan
Truck driver -
Emory Parnell
Man at Railroad Shack -
Victor Potel
Cameraman -
Georges Renavent
Old Tramp -
Willard Robertson
Judge -
Dewey Robinson
Sheriff -
Harry Rosenthal
The Trombenick -
Almira Sessions
Ursula -
Harry Seymour
Entertainer in Air-Raid... -
Mme. Sul Te Wan
Harmonica player -
Julius Tannen
Public Defender -
Harry Tyler
R.R. Information Clerk -
Pat West
Counterman -
Frank Mills
Drunk in Theater -
Preston Sturges
Studio Director -
Esther Michelson
Woman -
Robert Winkler
Bud -
Gus Reed
Mission Cook
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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.
A dubious proposition, but in Sturges's hands a charming one, filled out by his unparalleled sense of eccentric character.
Sullivan's Travels is a gem, an almost serious comedy not taken entirely seriously, with wonderful dialogue, eccentric characterisations, and superlative performances throughout.
Sullivan's Travels is one of the screen's more 'significant' films.
a highly satirical piece, poking fun at Hollywood itself and showing how out of touch it can be
Brainy Hollywood classic about importance of comedy.
It is, quite simply, a dazzling piece of filmmaking.
Not remotely a defense of junk, but it does respect comedy as a force for escapism.
...just not as funny as its choir of supporters have made it out to be.
A delicious tragi-comedy set during the Great Depression.
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.
Its message drags it from the front guard of Sturges's work, but it shines nonetheless.
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.
Audience Reviews for Sullivan's Travels
Super Reviewer
Super Reviewer
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- 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.
- John L. Sullivan: Did they ever ask you to?
- The Girl: No
- John L. Sullivan: Well then don't pat yourself on the back.
- The Girl: Take me with you.
- John L. Sullivan: What?
-
- The Girl: I'm sorry I pushed you in the water too.
- John L. Sullivan: I probably needed it.
- The Girl: You certainly did.
- John L. Sullivan: Did I?
- The Girl: I didn't mind you. In fact, I had kind of a yin for you.
- John L. Sullivan: You have?
- The Girl: Not in that thing. I liked you better as a tramp.
- John L. Sullivan: Well I can't help the kind of people you like.
-
- The Girl: Where's the swimming pool, you must have a swimming pool.
-
- 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?
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- John L. Sullivan: He gets a bit gruesome every once in a while.
- Sullivan's Valet: Yes, always reading books, sir.
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- 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!
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Foreign Titles
- Sullivan's Travels (1941) (DE)
- Sullivan's Travels (1941) (CA)


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