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5.3/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.3/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. I'm Much Obliged remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you’re the type of person who enjoys staring at grainy 1930s variety acts and doesn’t mind that the plot makes less sense than a fever dream, you might have a good time here. It’s definitely not for anyone who wants a grounded story about, you know, how newspapers actually work.
Honestly, if you go in expecting a coherent film, you’re gonna be annoyed. Go in expecting a bunch of random performances stitched together with a telephone line and you’ll get it.
Mr. Inquisitive is the kind of guy who probably wouldn't last a day in a real newsroom. He just calls up random folks and asks what they want to do with their lives. And every single person he rings up? A professional performer. It’s like the telephone book was only printed for the local talent agency.
The whole thing feels like a weird cousin to Rambling 'Round Radio Row #9, where the music is the only thing that really matters. The plot is just a flimsy clothesline to hang these acts on.
There’s this poor guy writing the 'Auntie Pru's Recipe' column who is just miserable. He’s always tired and stressed out, probably because his office neighbor is singing at the top of his lungs or dealing with stage performers all afternoon.
I actually found myself rooting for him. He’s the only one who acts like a normal human being in this chaotic office. Watching him try to maintain his sanity while the rest of the film goes off the rails is a strange highlight.
The whole experience reminded me a bit of the frantic energy in Beware of Ladies, just with less mystery and more tap dancing. It’s not exactly high art, but it’s got this goofy charm that’s hard to hate completely. Just don’t ask me to explain why the newspaper is paying for all these musical numbers to happen in the middle of a workday. 🎶
