Road to Bali (1952): Vintage laughs
Imagine watching a film made almost 75 years ago and being transported to a bygone era of simplicity and fantasy. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with “Road to Bali,” a lighthearted comedy starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Dorothy Lamour. Despite a weak plot, especially in the second half, for its overall charm I will give this one a Ripe rating from Mangoidiots.
Released in 1952, this classic film is part of the “Road to” series, a collection of satirical comedies made during the 1940s and 50s. “Road to Bali” features Crosby and Hope as two musical artists performing in Australia who get hired by a prince from the Bali islands. Unaware of the dangers of a deep-sea diving mission, the two agree and soon meet a lovely princess named Lala, played by the gorgeous Dorothy Lamour. Both men fall in love with her, but she remains undecided. The trio unexpectedly faces life-threatening situations, leading them on one adventure after another.
The screenplay relies on stereotypes, portraying Asians and their culture as mysterious and having wealthy royals, with scantily dressed native women serving them. But if you can look beyond the ignorance of the times, you’ll enjoy the comedic performances by Crosby and Hope. Their banter at times reminds me of the classic Laurel and Hardy shows. Dorothy Lamour shines in her mature acting throughout the film, holding the narrative together.
As my introduction to Bing Crosby’s and Bob Hope’s works, watching “Road to Bali” was delightful. For reasons unknown, Hope’s on-screen presence and comedic timing reminded me distinctly of Kelsey Grammer ‘s portrayal of Frasier Crane from the TV show. There’s a similar charm and wit that bridges these two talented performers, linking the golden age of cinema to more contemporary television comedy.
While the film may not be perfect, its charm and nostalgic value make it a fun watch. So why not take a trip back in time and enjoy “Road to Bali” today? It is available for free on YouTube and the Fawesome app.
Originally published at https://venkatarangan.com on July 25, 2024.
