On Our Merry Way [DVD]

I loved this movie. It is loaded with stars all of which are surprisingly funny in their roles. In particular, Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda shine in a hilarious episode which really emphasizes their true to life friendship. For sheer entertainment you can't miss with this one.

I saw this comedy in 1948 at the RKO Keith Memorial Theatre...in those days, if a movie was held over for a 2nd week, it meant the movie/goer fans [millions of them] considered a film to be a BIG/HUGE hit...well, this movie remained for 3 weeks in Boston and it was hilarious from start to finish...a trilogy of funny skits by: Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart [big band musicians]...the lovely brunette/star Dorothy Lamour's skit....and Fred MacMurray with William Demarest...decades later the latter duo teamed up in TVs, "My Three Sons" fame...you want laffs??...then get this DVD...it's rather pricey [why, I don't know]...the important thing is I'm glad it wasn't lost to the mist and fog of proven films.....SSGT CHRIS SARNO-USMC FMF

Released by United Artists, On Our Merry Way boasts an all-star cast with a decent storyline. It might sound similar to some of the wartime films that were packed with stars but skimped on the plot, but this film really gives its players a chance to shine.

Oliver Pease (Burgess Meredith) works in the want-ads at the local newspaper, but he has told his wife (Paulette Goddard) that he is the roving reporter who interviews unsuspecting strangers with a single question of the day. She urges him to ask for a raise and to use her question that asks how a child has had an influence on your life. Stuck in an impossible situation, Oliver goes to work, dons a disguise, and convinces his boss to let him be the roving reporter for the day.

He gets to work and first discovers two musicians (Henry Fonda and James Stewart) who tell him about a baby and a music contest. It turns out the baby is a grown woman, but no matter. They agreed to fix the competition so the mayor's no-talent son (Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer) could win, but everything goes awry. Next, Oliver stumbles upon a movie star (Dorothy Lamour) who tells him about a child star who helped her to rise in her career. She shows off her skills in a sarong with a cute musical number as well. Last, Oliver interviews a man (Fred MacMurray) who tells the story of he and his friend's (William DeMarest) meeting with an impossible little boy. The boy is a runaway, but he is so troublesome that even his own uncle (Hugh Herbert) doesn't want him back.

Back to the newsroom with the article, but everything is not quite as it seems. The Pease family conclusion offers a nice bookend to the story. On Our Merry Way is unlike many Hollywood films of the time because it features so many famous stars but only gives them about a half hour each of screen time. Luckily, they all make the most of their time.

Unfortunately, this DVD has no special features whatsoever, but the picture quality is clear and crisp.