Sullivan's Travels (1941) Review in 2025
A satirical comedy-drama film that follows the story of a successful film director who decides to make a movie about the struggles of the common man, but gets caught up in his own ego and experiences a series of misadventures.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for families with older children, but parental discretion is advised due to some mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of comedy and drama, and is highly recommended for its clever writing, excellent performances, and masterful direction.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film follows the story of John L. Sullivan, a successful film director who decides to make a movie about the struggles of the common man. He adopts a new persona, 'The Man Who Came to Dinner,' and sets out to experience life as a common man. However, things don't go as planned, and he gets caught up in his own ego, leading to a series of misadventures.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a great balance of humor and drama. The film's satirical take on the film industry and societal norms is clever and thought-provoking.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Joel McCrea delivering a standout performance as John L. Sullivan. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Veronica Lake shining as a beautiful and intelligent woman.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Joel McCrea delivering a standout performance as John L. Sullivan. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Veronica Lake shining as a beautiful and intelligent woman.
direction9.50/10
Preston Sturges' direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the film's themes and tone. The film's pacing is expertly handled, with a great balance of humor and drama.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a great use of lighting and composition to enhance the film's visuals. The film's black-and-white photography is also well-done, with a great use of shadows and contrast.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's satirical take on the film industry and societal norms is clever and thought-provoking, with a great balance of humor and drama. The performances are excellent, with Joel McCrea delivering a standout performance as John L. Sullivan.
Cons
The film's pacing can be a bit uneven at times, and some of the supporting characters feel a bit underdeveloped.
Notable Quotes
"A movie is made with people, not cameras and lights."
"From the moment I picked up your book until I laid it down, I convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading it."
