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Not the strongest plot in the world, but where else will you find Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Mel Powell and Charlie Barnet jamming together? This movie is worth watching just for the music. Danny Kaye's Professor Hobart Frisbee isn't the strongest use of his talents and Virginia Mayo's songs are dubbed by Jeri Sullivan. Although somewhat predictable, Professor Magenbruch's (Benny Goodman) "discovery" of swing and lack of awareness of a clarinetist named Benny Goodman is fun to watch. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the film is when viewed with "Ball Of Fire" as a double feature.

In Dashiell Hammett's world, nothing was ever what it seemed and people were mysteries to be unwrapped layer by layer. The characters in the "Maltese Falcon" and "The Thin Man" were enigmas to Sam Spade and Nick Charles and so it is in "The Dain Curse." If you are looking for a simple plot, go elsewhere. The hero of the novel was a nameless detective known as "The Continental Op." In the movie, the hero is Hamilton Nash (a nod to Hammett who once was a Pinkerton detective). The film captures the flavor of Hammett's writing and is well cast (look for Jean Simmons in a supporting role, Hector Elizondo as a local sheriff, Brent Spiner as a baddie and Sidney Tolar (the last film Charlie Chan) in a minor role. James Coburn is well suited to the part of Nash. The show captures the flavor of the roaring '20s very well and is a must see for Hammett fans.

Li'l Abner the comic strip was pure satire and so were the play and the movie. Unfortunately, it didn't translate well to the screen as a musical. I suspect that the wooden performances are deliberate; the actors are acting liking yokels trying to act. Dogpatch epitomizes redneck chic. The inhabitants are proud of their condition and have no desire to better themselves; they even revere a war hero whose exploits resulted in the defeat of their cause. Of course everyone from outside of Dogpatch is equally fair game; every character, every social convention and value shown in the movie is satirized. The story also takes some large swipes at the traditional roles taken by men and women. In Dogpatch the women have more ambition than the men and are the ones who express any interest in sex; the movie is notable for the overt expressions of female sexuality. So, take a large leap of faith; pretend that you are watching a stage performance and enjoy the movie for its satire of society and its values; don't forget to look for Jerry Lewis in the uncredited role of Itchy McRabbit early in