George Washington Slept Here *** (1942, Jack Benny, Ann Sheridan, Percy Kilbride, Charles Coburn, Hattie McDaniel, William Tracy, Lee Patrick) – Classic Movie Review 12,859

Warner Bros’ amusing 1942 comedy film George Washington Slept Here is based on the celebrated play by George S Kaufman and Moss Hart, and stars pleasing Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan.

Director William Keighley’s amusing 1942 Warner Bros comedy film George Washington Slept Here is based on the celebrated play by George S Kaufman and Moss Hart, and stars Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan.

Manhattan marrieds Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan move into a crumbling out-of-town mansion and experience every expected disaster, in this slightly lacklustre film of the renowned 1940 George S Kaufman/ Moss Hart play.

Connie Fuller (Ann Sheridan) acquires a dilapidated house in rural Bucks County, Pennsylvania, without her husband Bill’s (Jack Benny) knowledge, hoping he will fall in love with it – but he hates it. Forced out of their New York City apartment because their dog damaged the carpets, they move into the house, supposedly George Washington’s temporary home during the Revolutionary War.

Clara Lou “Ann” Sheridan (February 21, 1915 – January 21, 1967).

The pleasing cast works hard to please, even if the material often lacks the brightest comic spark. But Benny’s brilliant comedy timing – the star is seen at his near best here – Sheridan’s vivacious personality, and Percy Kilbride as the bumbling builder keep the show out of trouble, even when Everett Freeman’s script seems to be steering them on to the rocks. Occasionally the laughs are quite hilarious.

But there’s more. Charles Coburn is a delight as devious Uncle Stanley J Menninger, while Hattie McDaniel as the maid, Charles Dingle as Mr Prescott, Franklin Pangborn, and Douglas Croft as Raymond are most entertaining.

Also in the lovely cast are William Tracy, Lee Patrick, John Emery, Joyce Reynolds, Harvey Stephens, Chester Clute, Isabel Withers, Hank Mann, and Jack Mower.

Release date: November 28, 1942.

In the play the husband buys the property and is the straight man, while the film reverses the roles for Benny’s persona as a miser and the comic.

Warner Bros reused the set of the house in Arsenic and Old Lace (filmed in 1941 and released in 1944) and knocked out bannisters, rafters and floors so it looked like a dilapidated home.

Max Parker, Mark-Lee Kirk and Casey Roberts were nominated for an Oscar for Best Art Direction.

Jack Benny (born Benjamin Kubelsky; February 14, 1894 – December 26, 1974).

Clara Lou “Ann” Sheridan (February 21, 1915 – January 21, 1967).

© Derek Winnert 2024 – Classic Movie Review 12,859

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Jack Benny (born Benjamin Kubelsky; February 14, 1894 – December 26, 1974).