De_Sam From a sociological standpoint it certainly loses in power and sharp dissection of North America's problems -which certainly had grown since 1932, to 'I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang'. Given, Warner Bros. has always been the studio of the 'working man' and does have more authority on the subject.Paramount seems to understand their precarious position to speak about poverty and what was in fact 'legal slavery' in the chain gang system, as the whole film could be read as a argumentation for the continued production of comedies while the whole world burned: "Laughing should not be underestimated, for some people it is all they have". They certainly were not alone in this disposition; Goebbels also made sure comedies kept being made in Nazi Germany to reassure the German public all was well with the Third Reich and the war. Note that I am not trying to compare Paramount to the Nazi media policy, just naming the best example that this argument was used in many countries at the time.The film still shows the major influence religion had on any kind of narrative form, as good deeds are highly rewarded (the charitable girl played by Veronica Lake, the shop owner who gives them free doughnuts and coffee) and those who do evil are severely, and immediately, punished ( the greedy homeless person who robs Sullivan ). Plus African Americans get -what must be rare at that time in the united States, a positive representation, yet only because they are religious; God apparently solved the racial issues (weird how they still seem to exist today, wonder when they came back?).So in all, Paramount could not help those unfortunate victims who suffered the indirect effects of the war, they could at least still make them laugh.

elvircorhodzic SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS is an adventure comedy and one of the best representations of satire in the classic Hollywood. The opening scene is very interesting. The director focuses on the contrast of humor as a kind of form of frustration. What is actually good and how "it" is different from what the audience likes. There are many relevant indicators incorporated in a fun story. The transition from comedy to serious drama is well directed.Joel McCrea as John L. Sullivan is an almost perfect choice for leading man. Acts honestly and sincerely with quite irresistible charm. McCrea is an actor who smoothly formed his character in the film. Veronica Lake as The Girl is targeted partner of the main actor. The director thought it would probably remain in the shadow of other parameters. However, one fairly low and incredibly charming girl is perfect bearings. Contrast the main actors in any other option (disguised as a tramp or misunderstood director and failed actress) is very good.This movie should not be seen as a cheap promotion comedy. Laughter is the best medicine. So they say in my country. People's emotions determine the importance and essence. The message is simple. Stay away from own idealism and pay attention to your audience. The message? To whom? The film remains one unconventional comedy, satirical drama and adventure in trails. The atmosphere and scenery are at a high level. The messages are universal.

Richie Sarcone I was 110% blown away by this film. It is a crying shame that Sullivan's Travels is not on the IMDb top 250. As a lover of classic movies I'm ashamed of myself for not have seeing it earlier. Veronica Lake gives an outstanding performance as the mysterious girl and Joel McCrea perfectly en-captures the complicated film director John Sullivan. This movie is a perfect blend of comedy, romance, drama, and raw emotion rolled up into one perfect black and white old school 40s film. The acting is superb as both the leading actors and supporting ones bring the film together to make it truly special. This film gives great perspective from the points of view of both the rich and poor alike. A MUST SEE FOR ANY CLASSIC MOVIE LOVER. Treat yourself to an hour and a half of joy, sadness and heartbreak with a twist ending. Take my word as a true film fan, this movie will not disappoint and if you don't see it i feel bad for you. Check out putlocker.is to watch for free along with thousands of other great movies.

jeffhaller125 It starts out great. But then some of the extreme slapstick physical comedy is just not funny today; lot of "falling down or falling in the water" jokes. There is greatness all around this movie, but it never feels focused enough to say what it wants. Still it has to be admired for daring to go someplace no one else could have even imagined back in 1941. And remember, though there were movies about Hollywood afterwards no one went anywhere near this until Fellini. But watching it for the first time today in many years, I was surprised how difficult it was to get involved. It seemed to stop and restart so many times that I got impatient. Still the scene where the prisoners watch the cartoon is undeniably one of the most moving moments in American screen history. And it is also easy to see how many future directors took their lead from what Sturges was trying to do here. Ambition alone can sometimes be quite rewarding.