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Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) Reviews

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
Member Rating:  
When a car crash ends the life of a fabulously wealthy patron of the arts, the decedent's $20,000,000 fortune is inherited by one Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper) of Mandrake Falls, Vermont. Already a reasonably successful local businessman, Deeds doesn't really feel the need for anything extra in his life: he just wants enough time to practice his tuba and compose greeting-card doggerel. When Deeds is convinced to move to New York, hard-boiled newspaper reporter Babe Bennett (Jean Arthur) is dispatched to get the inside scoop on "The Cinderella Man." Babe's stories of Deeds' eccentricities and no-nonsense dealings with phonies and poseurs provide excellent headline fodder; but she begins to regret her actions, having fallen in love with the big lug. Deeds ultimately sets up a foundation to dispense his fortune to the country's neediest souls, on the proviso that the recipients do their best to get back on their feet, a turn of events that leads his lawyer John Cedar (Douglas Dumbrille) to try to have him declared insane. By the end of the sanity hearing, the judge (H. B. Walker) declares: "Not only are you sane, but you're the sanest man who ever walked in this courtroom!" A joyously unadulterated hunk of Frank Capra-corn, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town was adapted by Robert Riskin from Clarence Buddington Kelland's short story "Opera Hat." In addition to the pleasure of watching the country bumpkin outwit city slickers, the movie is a film buff's dream, boasting one of the best character-actor casts ever assembled for a single film. Nominated for four Academy Awards, the film won Frank Capra his second Oscar (out of three) as Best Director. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur, (more)
Director(s):
Frank Capra
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(10 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Eric M.

Even though it is a romantic comedy, I was surprised to laugh out loud so often. It helped to contrast the funny parts with scenes that were as tender as cinema has produced, the one most outstanding being the one where Deeds gives Babe her poem. Altogether, the film is a fine promotion of the good souls of the world. Watch it and embrace the good souls around you!

Yes   |   No


Mark S.

A pure and funny delight from start to finish. Gary Cooper proves that looks and first impressions are usually wrong. A great comedic morality play at the end. A must see.

Yes   |   No


Rich B.

It's fun to be able to watch a movie which actually tells us a story via its characters, without graphic sex or unnecessary violence. The world today could stand a lot more folks like Longfellow Deeds, and a lot more real actors like Gary Cooper.

Yes   |   No


James H.

This is one of Frank Capra's best, and one of the best "feel good" films ever. The performances are outstanding, the writing sublime and one of the best classics ever. Delightful from start to finish.

Yes   |   No


Thomas W.

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town is a surprisingly funny, entertaining, substantive and well-made film, far ahead of its time in 1936. Cooper's character is a practical, small-town man who inherits a $20 million estate from an uncle he barely knew. On visiting New York, he finds himself manipulated by the city's vulturous socialites--a depiction that might seem stereotypical but was shockingly accurate in 1936. Deeds stays true to his beliefs and emerges the victor, but I don't want to ruin the ending for you. Suffice it to say that this charming little film reminds us that truth, simplicity and humility are the foundations of real happiness.

Yes   |   No


Paul P.

I *loved* this movie. It's simple, and it's old. It has a play feel because it's made in 1936. It's a cute story about a not so simple man who inherits $20 million and doesn't need or want it. He goes to New York to receive his fortune, and he brings simple, down-home goodness to the citizens there. It has a lot of twists and turns and a sweet romance. If you're aware you're watching a 1936 movie, this is a GREAT story.

Yes   |   No


Mary C.

typical frank capra, great characters, great dialogue, great morals, greatly uplifting entertainment.

Yes   |   No


Darlene W.

A very good movie; very enjoyable. I enjoy any movie w/Jean Arthur in it.

Yes   |   No


Mikel C.

Even better than the Adam Sandler version. Our 15 year old son sat and watched the whole thing which is a rarity.

Yes   |   No


Mark B.

Call me odd, but I liked Adam as Longfellow Deeds more then I liked Gary Cooper

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Read all (10)
     
    Eric M.

    Even though it is a romantic comedy, I was surprised to laugh out loud so often. It helped to contrast the funny parts with scenes that were as tender as cinema has produced, the one most outstanding being the one where Deeds gives Babe her poem. Altogether, the film is a fine promotion of the good souls of the world. Watch it and embrace the good souls around you!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Mark S.

    A pure and funny delight from start to finish. Gary Cooper proves that looks and first impressions are usually wrong. A great comedic morality play at the end. A must see.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Rich B.

    It's fun to be able to watch a movie which actually tells us a story via its characters, without graphic sex or unnecessary violence. The world today could stand a lot more folks like Longfellow Deeds, and a lot more real actors like Gary Cooper.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 10 Reviews
       

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