Hold That Hypnotist

source: Hold That Hypnotist

Trailer—Hold That Hypnotist

Hold That Hypnotist

Although the Bowery Boys just doesn't gel in many ways without Leo Gorcey still it's nice to see Huntz Hall alone in the spotlight in these last remaining Bowery Boy films that Allied Artists did. In this one Sach is hypnotized by faker hypnotist Robert Foulk and he regresses back in his mind to when he was His Majesty's tax collector and none other than Blackbeard the Pirate gives Hall a treasure map in lieu of hard cash for his back taxes. Al Capone could certainly sympathize. It wasn't Foulk though it was a pair of earrings that Foulk's gal pal come on Jane Nigh was wearing. The bit with the earrings was later used in the Road To Hong Kong to put Bob Hope under. So for Duke, Sach, and the rest it means get the earrings to get the treasure. One thing this does prove is that Horace DeBussy Jones is the same in any incarnation.

The last decade of Bowery Boy films are among the most beloved of all the films the gang had made. But be aware, after Leo Gorcey was fired, (his last film was Dig that Uranium) the seven remaining movies were not only a departure from the usual formula, they were weak, disjointed, and badly executed. By this time, Leo and Huntz were a well-oiled comedy team. Without Gorcey, and his late father who played Louie (he died in a horrible car crash), the very heart and soul of the series was no more. But the contracts called for 7 more films. The boys became men (wearing suits and now interested in women rather than girls, and focused on making money more than ever). This film is the worst of the bunch! A lost attempt to play on the Bridey Murphy phenomenon. Sach is taken back to his past life. This involves a treasure. The story doesn't resemble a Bowery Boys romp in the least bit. If you are a fan and have seen their best films you will be saddened to witness this installment.

"Hold That Hypnotist" is bottom barrel Bowery Boys. There are almost zero laughs in this movie. I feel funny saying this about a Bowery Boys movie but this one is kind of dumb. The only thing going for it is the short running time (61 mins). Huntz Hall does his thing but he's not enough to make this one worth while.