''So You Won't Talk'' is a 1940 comedy directed by

Edward Sedgwick Edward Sedgwick (November 7, 1889 – March 7, 1953) was an American film director, writer, actor and producer. Early life He was born in Galveston, Texas, the son of Edward Sedgwick, Sr. and Josephine Walker, both stage actors. At the age ...

, which stars

Joe E. Brown Joseph Evans Brown (July 28, 1891 – July 6, 1973) was an American actor and comedian, remembered for his friendly screen persona, comic timing, and enormous elastic-mouth smile. He was one of the most popular American comedians in the 19 ...

in a dual role, along with Frances Robinson and Vivienne Osborne.

Cast list

as "Whiskers" (Charles Augustus Holt)/Brute Hanson * Frances Robinson as (Lucy Walters) * Vivienne Osborne as (Maxie Carewe) *

Bernard Nedell Bernard Jay Nedell (October 14, 1898 – November 23, 1972) was an American film actor. He appeared in 50 films between 1916 and 1972. He was born in New York, New York and died in Hollywood, California. He was married to actress Olive Blak ...

as (Bugs Linaker) * Tom Dugan as (Dude) *

Dick Wessel Richard Michael Wessel (April 20, 1913 – April 20, 1965) was an American film actor who appeared in more than 270 films between 1935 and 1966. He is best remembered for his only leading role, a chilling portrayal of strangler Harry "Cu ...

as (Dopey) *

Anthony Warde Anthony Warde (born Benjamin Schwartz; January 1, 1909 – January 8, 1975) was a noted American actor who appeared in over 150 films between 1937 and 1964. Early years Born as Benjamin Schwartz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on New Year' ...

as (Dolf)

Reception

The Film Daily ''The Film Daily'' was a daily publication that existed from 1918 to 1970 in the United States. It was the first daily newspaper published solely for the film industry. It covered the latest trade news, film reviews, financial updates, informatio ...

'' only rated the film as "fair", observing "The situations are generally amusing, but they lack the zip and power which spells concerted comedy and occasional belly-laughs." The magazine faulted the script mostly, saying that Sedgwick's "... direction keeps matters moving as best he can considering that the script and gags are none too strong or original." The felt that Brown's fans would appreciate his performance, as it was what they would expect, particularly pointing out the solid performance of Robinson. '' Motion Picture Daily'' was kinder to the film, calling it the funniest film Brown had made since ''

Elmer, the Great ''Elmer, the Great'' is a 1933 American pre-Code comedy film directed by Mervyn LeRoy, starring Joe E. Brown and Patricia Ellis. Plot Elmer Kane ( Joe E. Brown) is a rookie ballplayer with the Chicago Cubs whose ego is matched only by his appe ...

''. They felt the picture had "considerable hilarity", and complimented the direction of Sedgwick, as well as the work of the supporting cast. The ''

Motion Picture Herald The ''Motion Picture Herald'' was an American film industry trade paper published from 1931 to December 1972.Anthony Slide, ed. (1985)''International Film, Radio, and Television Journals'' Greenwood Press. p. 242. It was replaced by the ''QP Heral ...

'' also enjoyed the picture, again calling the film the best in Brown's career since ''Elmer, the Great''. They also felt that direction of Sedgewick, the production of Sparks, and the screenplay by Flournoy were all done well.

References

External links

* * * Columbia Pictures films Films directed by Edward Sedgwick American comedy films 1940 comedy films 1940 films American black-and-white films 1940s English-language films 1940s American films {{1940s-comedy-film-stub