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The Worst Film Ever

Perfect cast and a good story

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

So Bland. Sadly, this one has none of the clever humor and dialogue that some of Red Skelton's other films had. Skelton and Jean Hagen are newlyweds that take on all the typical, responsible duties of husband and wife. Skelton narrates most of this, and as a result, there is just no magic between husband and wife. There ARE some fun names in here that viewers will recognize -- a brief appearance by Mary Wickes and Frank Cady as husband and wife. Wickes was the hilarious maid in Man Who Came to Dinner and Now Voyager... Frank Cady was in Petticoat Junction and Green Acres. Also Polly Bergen, in one of her very early film appearances. I think the main problem is that the writer wasn't sure just which category this fell in... was it a comedy or a drama? Not much comedy in here. just lots of arguing. I did catch one spit-take from Skelton... Directed by Don Weis; he directed a few films, but quickly moved into directing television. Probably just as well. Can skip this one. Shown on Turner Classics now and then.

MGM designs another 1953 B feature here. They put television director Don Weis behind the camera, and sitcom writer Max Schulman who would punch Dobie Gillis to write a forgettable script. One could only wish MGM got more committed to making a better film here.The cast here, while experienced is really not a lot of support, and that does not help this one. If you tune in for Red Skelton being funny, you get what you want out of this picture. Most of the cast is television actors. It feels like a summer vacation from TV movie.If you tune in looking for a classic film, this one is not even close.Splitting Diamonds is not the same as crop dusting, though both can be killers. The bad guys act like Ben Dobson (Red's) family. In the end the family all falls apart and breaks down while Red is still prepping to cut a large diamond.It is a hopeless tale with some humor.

Half A Hero was a cute bit of fluff. It was a cute story, with the main interest watching Red Skelton perform. He is a real doll to watch. I could relate to his struggles. It was funny, clever, very much the same things we struggle with currently. Tho' I disagreed with his decisions. It was pleasant, but mainly I just enjoyed seeing Red. He is one of the greats that is gone from this world forever, to a much better place I pray.

This is one of my favorite of the pre-60s comedies, up with It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Red Skelton gives one of his best performances, and the humour is still witty today in a naive sense.I also recommend Red Skelton's Public Pigeon #1!