Lemonade Joe (1964)
7/10
Now I've seen everything...a Czechosloakian parody of an American B-western!
8 October 2011
This is an amazingly broad comedy--very silly and cartoon-like. In many ways it's like a Czechoslovakian version of "The Villain".

This western is set in a lawless town in Arizona. A local saloon owner, Doug Badman, is thrilled that the entire town is evil--spending all their time getting drunk and availing themselves of the services of 'professional girls'. However, when Lemonade Joe shows up, he's out to clean up the town and introduce them to the invigorating effects of a lemonade drink, 'Kolaloka'. In fact, he's the regional rep for the product and shows everyone its benefits by shooting baddies right and left and restoring justice. Joe is a clever amalgam of various B-western heroes like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, though he's even more virtuous--and looks a lot like Gene Raymond.

Doug's brother, the even more evil Horace Badman (also known as 'Hogofogo'), arrives in town and is upset to see that order and sobriety are the rule of the day. He's determined to destroy Lemonade Joe and steal his pure girlfriend. Horace is a LOT like the cartoon character Snidely Whiplash (from the "Dudley Dooright" cartoons). He's very cartoony and silly. I could say more about the plot but don't want to spoil it.

The film doesn't even try to be subtle in any way. The humor is very much the sort kids would like. But, despite being VERY cheesy and silly, it is fun and I had a few good laughs (I loved the cliff scene). The ending is pure chaos and silliness...but works. All in all, a super-silly but enjoyable romp.
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