There have been three truly great social humorists in American history, Mark Twain, Will Rogers and Jon Stewart. The least known today is the guy bookended by the other two. Now I was sorta disappointed that this documentary was as old as it was (1961) and to find Bob Hope narrating, but after watching a few minutes I began to appreciate the footage and news reel material used. If you know nothing about Will Rogers except his ubiquitous remark; “I have never yet met a man that I didn’t like,” then you should do yourself a favor and watch this informative bio. And just for fun, here are some of Rogers more telling quotes:
I belong to no organized party, I’m a Democrat.
Democrats never agree on anything; that’s why they’re Democrats. If they agreed with each other, they would be Republicans.
On Government:
A fool and his money are soon elected.
Be thankful were not getting all the government were paying for.
Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate; now what’s going to happen to us with both a Senate and a House?
About all I can say for the United States Senate is that it opens with a prayer and closes with an investigation.
On Misc:
People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.
Diplomacy is the art of saying ‘Nice doggie,’ until you can find a rock.
Pretty timely, huh?
Director; Donald B. Hyatt
Writers: Richard Hanser, Rod Reed
Narrator: Bob Hope
Year: 1961
Not Rated
Available on DVD at most Online retailers.