Successful movie director John L. Sullivan, convinced he won't be able to film his ambitious masterpiece until he has suffered, dons a hobo disguise and sets off on a journey, aiming to "know trouble" first-hand. When all he finds is a train ride back to Hollywood and a beautiful blonde companion, he redoubles his efforts, managing to land himself in more trouble than he bargained for when he loses his memory and ends up a prisoner on a chain gang.
Sullivan's Travels is a gem, an almost serious comedy not taken entirely seriously, with wonderful dialogue, eccentric characterisations, and superlative performances throughout.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
fresh:
A dubious proposition, but in Sturges's hands a charming one, filled out by his unparalleled sense of eccentric character.
– Dave Kehr,
Chicago Reader,
27 Jun 2007
fresh:
Sturges' dialog is trenchant, has drive, possesses crispness and gets the laughs where that is desired.