Another IMDb review commented that if Jimmy Stewart hadn't starred in this it would not have been worth watching and that's probably true. Its certainly the only reason I decided to watch it in my quest to watch all Jimmy Stewart films. The thing that strikes me about The Jackpot is that it is a comedy and even has some genuine slapstick moments and some terrific physical comedy (which I adore when done properly.) However, the film also often has this sad tone to it making it far more of a dark comedy then you might initially think. At times you feel so much empathy for Stewart's character that it is more sad than funny. Still I laughed and chuckled quite a bit but felt it was almost morbid laughing at this poor guy's pain. The film holds up very well to modern day standards and you really do feel a sense of how much this guy has won and how you could relate to it in modern day given his prize winnings total $24,000 dollars which would probably be closer to $100,000 nowadays if not more. The movie is fun, a little intense at times and you definitely wonder what direction it is going in. It is probably one of the more unique comedies I have ever seen. I'm not sure it would translate nearly as well in a modern remake but this one holds up anyways.
I feel silly writing about James Stewart again. I have seen so many of his films in the last two years and the guy is practically a Hollywood god so how can you even talk about his performances any more or less than one has already done. Stewart is charismatic and in every movie (including/especially this one) he makes you feel every single emotion that he goes through. It is exactly why It's A Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington etc are such powerful classics because he makes you become his character and understand them intricately. Barbara Hale is Stewart's frustrated wife desperately trying to understand and help her husband and is overjoyed with the gifts from The Jackpot. Their relationship deteriorates as they get deeper into their problems caused by the winnings. Hale is quite good and their chemistry is excellent. They are completely believable as the average suburban couple. The supporting cast are all very good including especially good performances from Fred Clark as Stewart's disgruntled boss, Alan Mowbray as the vibrant decorator Leslie (playing very gay before that would have ever been considered), Patricia Medina and James Gleason. Also worth mentioning Stewart and Hale's two children are played by Natalie Wood and Tommy Rettig and despite very small roles they are both quite good.
Director Walter Lang had his hand in many slapstick comedies and the best praise I can give to The Jackpot is that it isn't your average "comedy." It is different and fun and a little emotional and just a really well written script. Certainly having Stewart as your star automatically ups the ante but the script is good regardless. It is simple enough but effective and you won't be bored for a single moment. The pacing of the movie is good and it absolutely sends you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride along with our star. Towards the climax of the film we watch their marriage hit this rocky spot and you are on the edge of your seat waiting to find out how things work out. In the end if a message about family and life in the same vein as Its A Wonderful Life but not quite as memorable. Still if you love Stewart, Hale, or classic comedies then please check this one out!! 7.5/10
I feel silly writing about James Stewart again. I have seen so many of his films in the last two years and the guy is practically a Hollywood god so how can you even talk about his performances any more or less than one has already done. Stewart is charismatic and in every movie (including/especially this one) he makes you feel every single emotion that he goes through. It is exactly why It's A Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington etc are such powerful classics because he makes you become his character and understand them intricately. Barbara Hale is Stewart's frustrated wife desperately trying to understand and help her husband and is overjoyed with the gifts from The Jackpot. Their relationship deteriorates as they get deeper into their problems caused by the winnings. Hale is quite good and their chemistry is excellent. They are completely believable as the average suburban couple. The supporting cast are all very good including especially good performances from Fred Clark as Stewart's disgruntled boss, Alan Mowbray as the vibrant decorator Leslie (playing very gay before that would have ever been considered), Patricia Medina and James Gleason. Also worth mentioning Stewart and Hale's two children are played by Natalie Wood and Tommy Rettig and despite very small roles they are both quite good.
Director Walter Lang had his hand in many slapstick comedies and the best praise I can give to The Jackpot is that it isn't your average "comedy." It is different and fun and a little emotional and just a really well written script. Certainly having Stewart as your star automatically ups the ante but the script is good regardless. It is simple enough but effective and you won't be bored for a single moment. The pacing of the movie is good and it absolutely sends you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride along with our star. Towards the climax of the film we watch their marriage hit this rocky spot and you are on the edge of your seat waiting to find out how things work out. In the end if a message about family and life in the same vein as Its A Wonderful Life but not quite as memorable. Still if you love Stewart, Hale, or classic comedies then please check this one out!! 7.5/10