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5.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Hizzoner remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
"Hizzoner" is a quirky little film from way back, and honestly, if you're into old-school slapstick and a bit of Vaudeville charm, you might get a kick out of it. For anyone expecting a tight plot or deep characters, you'll probably just scratch your head. This one is for the folks who enjoy seeing comedic legends like Bert Lahr do their thing, even if the "thing" is a bit... simple. If you can't stand old movies or really broad comedy, definitely skip it. 😅
The setup is pretty straightforward: a bunch of shady characters want to run the city, and they need a dummy for mayor. Enter Bert, played by Bert Lahr. He's this lovable lug, easily swayed. The whole thing hinges on his innocence, or maybe just his general cluelessness.
Lahr, you know, from The Wizard of Oz? He’s the Cowardly Lion. Here, he's got that same kind of bewildered energy. He’s just so earnest, even when he’s being totally manipulated. It's really his movie. You can feel him just taking over the screen.
There's a scene where Bert tries to give a speech, and it just devolves into this beautiful, awkward mess. The way he fumbles with his notes, completely loses his train of thought... it’s classic physical comedy. You can almost see the writers just letting Lahr be Lahr. 😂 The crowd's reaction shot is almost funnier, a mix of confusion and mild amusement. They don't quite know what to make of him.
The plot itself is thin, like tracing paper. You could practically see through it. But that's not really the point, is it? It’s more about the individual gags and Bert's reactions. Don't go looking for intricate twists here.
One bit, he’s trying to understand some complicated political jargon, and his eyes just glaze over. It's a quick shot, maybe two seconds, but it really sells his character. He's not dumb, exactly, just way out of his depth. A fish truly out of water.
The supporting cast, like James Melton and Jimmy Wallington, they play their parts okay. They're the straight men, mostly, setting up Lahr for his moments. Loretta Sayers has a nice presence, but her role feels a bit underdeveloped. She’s there to add a touch of romance, I guess, but it never really lands with any oomph. It's a shame, she could have done more.
What sticks with me is how loud some of the background noise is in a few scenes. Like, a door slamming or a bell ringing. It feels a little unpolished, which, for a film of this era, isn't totally surprising. But it pulls you out just a tiny bit. I kept wondering if it was my speakers. 🤔
The pacing is… well, it exists. It’s not fast, not slow, just kind of moves along. You won’t be on the edge of your seat, that’s for sure. But you also won't feel like you're watching paint dry. It’s a pleasant enough amble. Good for a lazy afternoon.
There’s a moment where one of the bad guys tries to explain a scheme, and he uses this tiny, barely visible diagram. It’s such a small detail, but it made me chuckle. Like, really? *That's* your big plan visual aid? It adds to the slightly amateurish, almost charming vibe of the whole thing. The little things, you know?
The movie leans heavily on physical comedy and exaggerated reactions. Sometimes it works wonderfully, sometimes it feels a bit... forced. But when Lahr is on, he's on. His facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission. Or, you know, the click of the remote. You can't take your eyes off him.
I kept thinking about how different comedy was back then. It wasn't about subtle wit; it was about big, obvious jokes. And "Hizzoner" delivers on that. It's a time capsule in that sense. It really takes you back.
One specific thing: the way the villains keep trying to coach Bert on what to say, and he just repeats it back, totally flat. It’s a running gag that surprisingly doesn’t get old too fast. It highlights just how much of a pawn he is. You almost feel bad for him, but then he does something silly.
There's a scene near the end, where everything is supposed to be dramatic, but Bert Lahr just looks so utterly bewildered, you can't help but smile. The *seriousness* of the situation just bounces right off him. It kinda undermines the stakes, but in a good way, for this kind of film. It’s hard to take anything too seriously when he’s around.
It’s not trying to be anything more than it is: a vehicle for Bert Lahr’s unique comedic talent. And for that, it mostly succeeds. It’s not going to change your life or win any awards, but it’s a nice, gentle watch if you're in the right mood. Sort of like comfort food for your eyes. 🍿
IMDb —
1919
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