IT'S A JOKE, SON!

Cinemavixion Review

Benjamin Stoloff's "It's a Joke, Son!" (1947) offers a delightful foray into political satire, anchored by the inimitable Kenny Delmar in his signature role as Senator Beauregard Claghorn. This cinematic outing, which shares its title with a catchphrase Delmar famously used on "The Fred Allen Show," cleverly translates the radio character's blustering Southern charm to the big screen. The plot sees Claghorn, a proud aristocrat facing financial woes, entangled in a political scheme orchestrated by his wife, Una Merkel, who is running for state senate. The narrative skillfully plays on Claghorn's egotism and dim-wittedness as he navigates a campaign designed to undermine himself, all while providing fodder for the eventual creation of the beloved Looney Tunes character, Foghorn Leghorn. While the film may not have garnered major awards, its connection to radio history and animation lineage makes it a noteworthy piece of Americana. Delmar's performance is the heart of the film, capturing the larger-than-life persona that resonated with audiences and left an indelible mark on cartoon history.