This simple little film features Frank Morgan playing his typical flim-flam man role. Morgan was one of the best at portraying a bragging, self important grifter who was never at a loss for words when playing one of his con games. In this film he is a good hearted but under achieving father who desperately wants to provide a good life for his grown up daughter. He meets many obstacles along the way but also receives help from some old friends who, obviously, are very fond of him. One caution: Bonita Granville plays an obnoxious bratty young teen ager who never lets up throughout the entire film. Her performance caused me to almost bail out and change the channel on a couple of occasions. Her performance is pretty hard to take. But, all in all, if you have some spare time and wish to spend it watching a simple little "puff" piece, you may enjoy this film.
8 Reviews
some fun names in smaller roles.
ksf-21 February 2020
So Frank Morgan (The WIZARD from wizard of oz... a couple years later!) is Thompson, a sideshow con man. when he meets up with his own daughter (Mary Howard), he can't bear to tell her he's broke.... and the daughter herself is so broke, there's no furniture, and no more house. so it has really hit the fan! They end up in a boarding house, and there are some fun co-stars there; Billy Burke (Glenda, the good witch from Wizard!) is Miss Marshall, who owns the house. Marjorie Main (from the Women) is the housekeeper. Donald Meek, in a silly wig, is another odd-ball boarder. a thirty year old comedian Phil Silvers is in here as Murdock. The lies pile up, and Thompson still can't bear to tell his daughter that they are broke. when it all falls apart, Thompson is the stand-up guy, and tries to protect the honor of everyone around. Burke was really married to the great Ziegfeld, Mister Showman! Z had lost all his money in the depression. and died in 1932. Film directed by Robert Sinclair. He met an untimely gruesome death at age 64. The story here moves right along, and is pretty solid; kind of plays like a big long episode of three's company. misunderstandings, coincidences. pretty good. Marj Main has a pretty small part... too bad they didn't use her more. that would have added to the fun.
Frank Morgan shines in a B picture
vincentlynch-moonoi1 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Among character actors, Frank Morgan was something special. Truly unique, and he gets to show off his talents in this B picture. Part of the problem that Morgan had with MGM at this time was that he was tossed back and forth between first rate A pictures (such as "The Wizard Of Oz"), and B pictures, such as this one. And the problem with his B pictures is what made them B pictures -- second rate scripts. However, this one has a somewhat sentimental script that isn't too bad.
When it comes to character actors, this film has its share of them, and you;ll recognize many of them. Billie Burke -- who can be a bit much to take, is okay here as the owner of a boarding house. Donald Meek, a wonderful character actor in his own right, is here in what may be his most unlikable role; and indeed, I didn't like him here (and hated his toupee). Marjorie Main is usually a lot of fun, but I didn't care for her much here; what was missing was the likable side of Main. Bonita Granville plays a most unlikable child. The liable Dan Dailey is here as a love interest to Morgan's daughter; he does nicely (although exactly what his role is, is a bit confusing). Walter Catlett and a very young Phil Silvers are along for the ride, too.
At this time, Frank Morgan was too good for B pictures, but too old for leading roles in A pictures. But here,, despite being a B picture, you get to see Morgan at his best. Sentimental and funny. Well worth watching for his acting, if not much else.
When it comes to character actors, this film has its share of them, and you;ll recognize many of them. Billie Burke -- who can be a bit much to take, is okay here as the owner of a boarding house. Donald Meek, a wonderful character actor in his own right, is here in what may be his most unlikable role; and indeed, I didn't like him here (and hated his toupee). Marjorie Main is usually a lot of fun, but I didn't care for her much here; what was missing was the likable side of Main. Bonita Granville plays a most unlikable child. The liable Dan Dailey is here as a love interest to Morgan's daughter; he does nicely (although exactly what his role is, is a bit confusing). Walter Catlett and a very young Phil Silvers are along for the ride, too.
At this time, Frank Morgan was too good for B pictures, but too old for leading roles in A pictures. But here,, despite being a B picture, you get to see Morgan at his best. Sentimental and funny. Well worth watching for his acting, if not much else.
Meant for W.C. Fields
drednm8 November 2017
Film is based on a failed 1927 Broadway play (15 performances) and was bought in 1928 for W.C. Fields. Pity it never got made because the blowhard character was perfect for Fields.
Instead we have Frank Morgan as the blowhard posing as a great actor while living in a theatrical boarding house in New York. He lives with his daughter (Mary Howard) and sparks the romantic interest of the owner of the house (Billie Burke). But he's not an actor; he sells snake oil, elixirs, and cheap soap on street corners.
While the naive daughter becomes involved with another boarder (Dan Dailey), Morgan tries to find work. Be he's piqued the nosy interest of other boarders because of his bragging and outrageous stories and he is discovered playing a "Wild Man of Borneo" in a cheap side show.
Not bad, but you can just hear W.C. Fields snarling out the lines. Co-stars include Donald Meek as Birdo, Connie Gilchrist and Bonita Granville and the mother/daughter boarders, Marjorie Main as the surly cook, Walter Catlett as Skelby, and Phil Silvers the side show barker.
Instead we have Frank Morgan as the blowhard posing as a great actor while living in a theatrical boarding house in New York. He lives with his daughter (Mary Howard) and sparks the romantic interest of the owner of the house (Billie Burke). But he's not an actor; he sells snake oil, elixirs, and cheap soap on street corners.
While the naive daughter becomes involved with another boarder (Dan Dailey), Morgan tries to find work. Be he's piqued the nosy interest of other boarders because of his bragging and outrageous stories and he is discovered playing a "Wild Man of Borneo" in a cheap side show.
Not bad, but you can just hear W.C. Fields snarling out the lines. Co-stars include Donald Meek as Birdo, Connie Gilchrist and Bonita Granville and the mother/daughter boarders, Marjorie Main as the surly cook, Walter Catlett as Skelby, and Phil Silvers the side show barker.
"Something tells me this is going to be the biggest lie yet."
classicsoncall24 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Who doesn't love a jovial con-man? Frank Morgan is at his mischievous best here, even if he's better remembered as the man behind the curtain, Professor Marvel in "The Wizard of Oz". Although his character here is a former snake oil salesman, J. Daniel Thompson never does do anything in the picture that approaches criminal activity. He's the kind of guy that puffs up his résumé when it suits his particular circumstances, which in this case is virtually every time he's in the presence of daughter Mary (Mary Howard) and the residents of a New York boarding house owned by Bernice Marshall (Billie Burke). It's a bit of a puzzler how Mary takes to her long-lost father since he abandoned her as a baby to satisfy his wanderlust. The story could have used a little more exploration of that background since Mary accepted him with open arms and without reservation when he showed up at her home in Twin Rapids. After moving to the big city, Daniel fails to land an acting job at any meaningful venue, so he accepts a gig as a black faced wild man in a carny side show. Even discovery by his daughter and fellow boarders fails to deflate the outgoing huckster, but it does put him in touch with values he never knew he had. All in all, this is a lighthearted film that old time movie fans ought to enjoy, as it never gets too serious or alarming for the players. And speaking of con men, this was a nice early warm up for Phil Silvers, who could out-weasel the best of them as Sergeant Bilko in the hit 1950's series, "The Phil Silvers Show".
Not so Wild, Frank Morgan
wes-connors2 August 2015
Snake-oil salesman Frank Morgan (as J. Daniel "Dan" Thompson) learns a wealthy sister-in law has died. He quits his crooked "Medicine Man" traveling show and goes to live with estranged 18-year-old daughter Mary Howard (as Mary) in her Twin Rapids mansion. Upon arriving, Mr. Morgan discovers Ms. Howard had to sell the furniture. The penniless pair move to a New York (36 East 17th Street) boarding house run by matronly Marjorie Main (as Irma). She and an eccentric group of theatrical supporting players help maintain interesting this farcical story. The writers give it a good sense of setting, with the characters involved in early 1900s theatrical antics. Examples include Morgan being rejected as a leading man for Sarah Bernhardt, appearing as a "black-face" voodoo native, and the development of motion pictures. However, the characters are patchy and the main story is drawn and inconsiderable.
**** The Wild Man of Borneo (1941-01-24) Robert B. Sinclair ~ Frank Morgan, Mary Howard, Billie Burke, Donald Meek
**** The Wild Man of Borneo (1941-01-24) Robert B. Sinclair ~ Frank Morgan, Mary Howard, Billie Burke, Donald Meek
Not particularly inspired or interesting
planktonrules1 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Frank Morgan is a patent medicine salesman who has traveled the country lying and conning the public. When he hears that his estranged daughter is rich, he decides to give up the business and locate her. He hasn't seen her since she was a baby and he has visions of establishing a loving relationship with her now that her mother has died. However, he soon learns that she is in fact penniless and he has great difficulty telling her that he, too, is broke. So from the onset, he begins filling her head with lots of stories of his success and wealth. None of this really makes sense, as his habitual lying will soon be obvious. However, when the truth is finally known, unexpectedly everyone forgives him and they live happily ever after. Yeah, right. The guy abandons his daughter and then returns and is soon exposed as a habitual liar AND then everyone smiles and the movie ends on a happy note! Only in Hollywood could this story have taken place!
While I like Frank Morgan in movies, this one seems to indicate that the actor was better off as a supporting actor than playing lead. In many of his films (including THE WIZARD OF OZ), Morgan played a lovable rogue--a film-flam man who has a way with stretching the truth. But here, when this is THE sole focus of an entire film, it becomes rather tiresome. Plus the writing is very trite and silly--making it a bit of a chore to finish this silly vehicle. The supporting characters don't help much, as none of them are that interesting. As another user pointed out, Bonita Granville plays a pretty obnoxious role. Also, Billie Burke plays what appears to be the stupidest and most gullible lady in history. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. It ain't that bad, but it sure ain't good, either!
By the way, this film is very, very similar to an earlier Frank Morgan picture, BEG BORROW OR STEAL--though this earlier film is much more entertaining. If you've got to see one of these films, DON'T make it THE WILD MAN OF BORNEO!
While I like Frank Morgan in movies, this one seems to indicate that the actor was better off as a supporting actor than playing lead. In many of his films (including THE WIZARD OF OZ), Morgan played a lovable rogue--a film-flam man who has a way with stretching the truth. But here, when this is THE sole focus of an entire film, it becomes rather tiresome. Plus the writing is very trite and silly--making it a bit of a chore to finish this silly vehicle. The supporting characters don't help much, as none of them are that interesting. As another user pointed out, Bonita Granville plays a pretty obnoxious role. Also, Billie Burke plays what appears to be the stupidest and most gullible lady in history. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. It ain't that bad, but it sure ain't good, either!
By the way, this film is very, very similar to an earlier Frank Morgan picture, BEG BORROW OR STEAL--though this earlier film is much more entertaining. If you've got to see one of these films, DON'T make it THE WILD MAN OF BORNEO!
Strictly a B movie
richard-178726 February 2023
This movie is filled with MGM bit players, like Donald Meek - in a very unpleasant role - plus two supporting actors: Billie Burke and Frank Morgan, both of whom did better work elsewhere. Actually, that can probably be said of everyone in this picture. The story, such as it is, just keeps mosying along, and the end comes as rather a surprise, and a downer at that. I can see why the movie would not have been a success.
I can't really recommend most of it. But there is a scene between Morgan and Burke near the end that is a masterpiece of line delivery in its own understated way. These two actors - and they were indeed both fine actors - deliver their lines very quietly, but very beautifully. The text is nothing special, but their way of delivering it is.
It's not a long movie - less than 90 minutes. And it's not bad. It's just sort of directionless, with several unappealing characters.
I can't really recommend most of it. But there is a scene between Morgan and Burke near the end that is a masterpiece of line delivery in its own understated way. These two actors - and they were indeed both fine actors - deliver their lines very quietly, but very beautifully. The text is nothing special, but their way of delivering it is.
It's not a long movie - less than 90 minutes. And it's not bad. It's just sort of directionless, with several unappealing characters.
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