COUNTRY GENTLEMEN

Cinemavixion Review

Ralph Staub's 1936 comedy "Country Gentlemen" offers a charming, albeit predictable, romp through the misadventures of two itinerant con artists, McAllister and Hamilton, portrayed by the comedic duo Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson. Their scheme to swindle war veterans in the small town of Chesterville by selling shares in a dubious oil field takes an unexpected turn when McAllister finds himself falling for the widowed hotel owner, Louise Heath (Lila Lee). The film navigates the familiar territory of redemption and the consequences of deceit, with the protagonists' shady dealings inevitably catching up to them. While the plot adheres to a classic narrative arc, the chemistry between Olsen and Johnson, coupled with Lee's grounding presence, provides ample entertainment. "Country Gentlemen" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic Hollywood comedies, offering a lighthearted look at cons gone awry and the possibility of a change of heart.