Is Too Much Johnson Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1938)

📖 The Core Premise

Too Much Johnson stands as a 1938 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Comedy landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "This film was not intended to stand by itself, but was designed as the cinematic aspect of Welles' Mercury Theatre stage presentation of William Gillette's 1894 comedy about a New York playboy who flees from the violent husband of his mistress and borrows the identity of a plantation owner in Cuba who is expecting the arrival of a mail order bride. The film component of the performance was ultimately never screened due to the absence of projection facilities at the venue. Long-believed to be lost, a workprint was discovered in 2008 and the film had its premiere in 2013."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Joseph Cotten does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Too Much Johnson worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Too Much Johnson is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 66 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.