Ripe For a Remake

I'm hesitant to suggest this given how bad Hollywood's products are today, but given the right team, this is a movie that could successfully be remade. It has the most essential element; a good story. I think the hardest part would be casting the lead. No one today has Bob Hope's comedic timing and ability to play the charming coward. The best I can come up with is Paul Rudd, then Ryan Reynolds.