Hope and Crosby excel in one of the best "Road" pictures

Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour made seven "Road" films in total and all were great entertainment and worth seeing (except for their last one "Road to Hong Kong" which was something of a disappointment and not up to the standard of the earlier films). "Road to Utopia" in my opinion was one of the best and has not become dated over the years. The film is fast moving with gag following gag, talking animals, Bob Hope's remarks to the camera, and even has comedian Robert Benchley interrupting proceedings to give a running commentary about the film as it progresses. The film is told in "flashback" and has a brilliant pay-off line at the end (one of the best in the entire "Road" series). Hope and Crosby are on the run from the villains but still find time for some catchy songs along the way including a typical Hope/Crosby number "Put It There Pal". Dorothy Lamour provides the glamour and adds a song or two. Favourite line: Bob Hope (to Crosby): "Next time I'll bring Sinatra!". (When Crosby loses a talent contest on board ship). The "Road" films never won any Oscars but brought an enormous amount of pleasure to a lot of people during the 40's. Hope and Crosby were a great team and had very successful careers in movies, television, radio and on the stage and were probably two of the biggest stars to come out of Hollywood in the thirties and forties.

Clive "movie buff" Roberts