Diplomaniacs

"Diplomaniacs" certainly lives up to its daft title and this movie probably was one of the silliest of the Wheeler and Woolsey collaborations in the 1930s. The boys find themselves this time uprooted from their Indian reservation barber's shop (where the Indians don't need shaving and only ever seem to say 'oompah', that is, except the Chief who went to Oxford), and sent to stop all wars at the Geneva Peace Conference.

Cue a swipe at every possible stereotype concerning the various peoples and countries of the world, from the Chinaman who wants to return to his wife, who he hates; to the Swiss national costume (don't ask), and even a number, 'No More War', in blackface! And Robert Woolsey even surfaces from sleep with a cigar; the guy must have gone through hundreds of them...

The songs, more of them than usual for one of their movies, are high points amongst the bizarre plot (including one sequence where Bert Wheeler recreates his old vaudeville act with 'Annie Laurie'). In support, Phyllis Barry is a hoot as smoke-breathing siren Fifi, while Marjorie White sizzles as Bert's violent love interest (brilliant number for them in 'Sing to Me'). Louis Calhern and Hugh Herbert also appear.

I know that this movie in particular annoys some commentators who see it as politically incorrect, but viewed in the context of the time, and accepting its mischevious spirit, it has enough good points to keep it watchable today. An excellent comedy classic!