Gary Cooper is typically laconic playing small town milquetoast Longfellow Deeds who is named as the sole recipient of a millionaire's estate; he's so well-scrubbed, he'd just as soon give away the money rather than have his life changed by fortune. Dubbed the "Cinderella Man" by the press, he quickly comes under fire for his 'eccentric' behavior. A preachy, syrupy film from director Frank Capra, coated with Hollywood uplift circa 1936. Jean Arthur steals the picture with a delightful performance as a lovestruck reporter, but Cooper is a stolid, expressionless actor (cast in a part which could really use some dimension). Remade with Adam Sandler in 2002; was also the basis for a TV series in 1969. ** from ****
Review of Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
