The Bank Dick (1940)
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100% of critics liked it
(21 reviews) -
76% of users liked it
(2,653 ratings)
W.C. Fields plays Egbert Souse, a bibulous denizen of Lompoc who supports his family by winning radio contests. When a fleeing bank robber is knocked cold upon tripping over the park bench where Egbert sits, Souse is hailed as a hero and offered the job of bank guard. The next day, he is approached… More W.C. Fields plays Egbert Souse, a bibulous denizen of Lompoc who supports his family by winning radio contests. When a fleeing bank robber is knocked cold upon tripping over the park bench where Egbert sits, Souse is hailed as a hero and offered the job of bank guard. The next day, he is approached by one J. Frothingham Waterbury (Russell Hicks), who offers to sell Egbert shares in the Beefsteak Mines. Souse raises the necessary money by convincing bank clerk Og Oggilby (Grady Sutton), the fiance of Egbert's daughter Myrtle (Una Merkel), to "borrow" some funds from the bank; it isn't really embezzling, explains Egbert, because the mine is bound to pay off. Unfortunately, bank examiner J. Pinkerton Snoopington (Franklin Pangborn) comes calling, spelling possible trouble for Souse. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Edward Cline, Eddie Cline
- Written By
- W.C. Fields
- Genres
- Classics, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1940 Wide
- On DVD
- Aug 22, 2000
- Studio
- MCA Universal Home Video
Critic Reviews
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
This 1940 film seems to spring straight from his cranky, beleaguered, convoluted personality, with no concessions made to film form, audience enjoyment, or common sense, and still it's very funny in a desultory, strangely private kind of way.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
For anyone who simply likes to laugh at the reckless manities of an inspired buffoon, we recommend The Bank Dick. It's great fun.
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, Time Out
Totally ramshackle and marvellous.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Probably Fields' best film.
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, Film4
It's barely controlled lunacy throughout, of course, but considerable good fun.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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W.C. Fields
as Egbert Sousé, Egbert Sousé, Egbert Sous...
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Cora Witherspoon
as Agatha Sousé, Agatha Sousé, Agatha Sous...
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Una Merkel
as Myrtle Sousé, Myrtle Sousé, Myrtle Sous...
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Evelyn Del Rio
as Elsie Mae Adele Brunch Sousé, Elsie Mae...
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Jessie Ralph
as Mrs. Hermisillo Brunch
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Franklin Pangborn
as J. Pinkerton Snoopington
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Grady Sutton
as Og Oggilby
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Shemp Howard
as Joe Guelpe
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Russell Hicks
as J. Frothingham Waterbury
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Pierre Watkin
as Mr. Skinner
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Al Hill
as Filthy McNasty, Repulsive Rogan
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George Moran
as Cozy Cochran, Loudmouth McNasty
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Bill Wolfe
as Otis
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Jack Norton
as A. Pismo Clam
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Pat West
as Assistant Director
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Reed Hadley
as François leading man, François leading ...
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Heather Wilde
as Miss Plupp
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Harlan Briggs
as Doctor Stall
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Eddie Acuff
as Reporter
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Nora Cecil
as Ladies Auxiliary
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Jack Clifford
as Cop
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Jan Duggan
as Woman in Bank
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Eddie Dunn
as James the Chauffeur
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Fay Holderness
as Lady passerby
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Bobby Larson
as Boy in Bank
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Patsy Moran
as Lady with fruit hat
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Joe North
as Butler
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Pat O'Malley
as Cop
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Dick Purcell
as Mackley Q. Greene
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Margaret Seddon
as Old lady in car
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Charles Sullivan
as Driver
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Kay Sutton
as Young Woman on Bench
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Dorothy Vernon
as Old lady
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Emmett Vogan
as Hotel Desk Clerk
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Max Wagner
as Shirtless ditchdigger
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Mary Field
as Woman
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Billy Mitchell
as Black Bank Customer
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Lowden Adams
as Francois' valet
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Vangie Beilby
as Old lady with dog
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Frankie Van
as Director's helper
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Emma Tansey
as Old woman on bench
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David Oliver
as Straw-hatted teller
- Una Richard Purcell
