RKO went out of business after this movie was made and it is no wonder. Carol Channing is a beast; Ginger Rogers, James Arness, and Clint Eastwood are nearly hopeless. It has got to be the direction and the script because all four are good actors - not to mention all of the very good supporting actors that appear. The plot is almost too silly to be believed and I found myself wishing it would end soon, it is embarrassingly weak. If it were a musical it could at least have some irrational premise that might make it worthwhile, but no such luck. Redeeming features: the costumes, and the chance to see a real star (Ginger Rogers) in action, she is a true professional; rising stars like Channing, Arness, and Eastwood. But don't set the VCR to record.
Review of The First Traveling Saleslady
