Corky of Gasoline Alley (1951) User Reviews

Well worth seeing.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 21 January 2012]

In 1951, Columbia Pictures made two Gasoline Alley films which were based on the comic strip. However, seeing as no additional films in the series were made, you have to assume they weren't particularly successful. In many ways, they are a lot like the Blondie and Dagwood films made during the previous decade--family comedies with acting and situations that are rather broad but likable.

This film begins with a recap of previous film so that the audience can get caught up on the characters. You soon learn that Skeezix has financial trouble--and so Corky and his wife need to put their plans on buying a house on hold. But, everyone's problems get a lot worse when Elwood (Gordon Jones) comes for a visit. This family member is a freeloader--an unwelcome house guest who is a know-it-all who seems to destroy everything he touches. And no matter how they try, they can't seem to get rid of this pest...until they come up with a plan.

All in all, a slight but enjoyable film. It's not the sort of thing I'd rush out to see, but it's agreeable and worth your time. Too bad they didn't make a few more of these films.

How to get rid of an unwanted relative in 80 minutes.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 7 November 2019]

The bombastic Gordon Jones creates more havoc in that period of time than Monty Woolley did in "The Man Who Came to Dinner" for over a year on Broadway. It's a completely different situation between distant in-law Jones and Woolley's Sheridan Whiteside in sadly the last of two "Gasoline Alley" films, and in a sense, Jones' character is more like a weapon of self destruction set into motion by a foreign enemy.

Scotty Beckett and Jimmy Lyndon are back as the ambitious young brothers, and it takes just a little bit of plotting to rid themselves of the hideous Jones with the help of younger sister Patty Brady. While Jones is completely obnoxious, his antics lead to hysterical actions that are funny for the audience to witness but not for the Wallet family. A couple of other obnoxious characters pop in and out of the story, most likely recurring players from the comic strip, but it is Jones and his destructive behavior that guides the story along.

A couple of potentially funny gags didn't occur when I thought they would, although there is a typical speeding vehicle that creates a lot of mayhem and leads to Jones feening being crippled. It is then that the family goes into action to get rid of him and the steps they take are worth what they had to put up with and the audience is frustration with Jones whom the most patient of families would consider homicide if they intruded on their peaceful family life.