The Bank Dick (1940)

100% of critics liked it
(21 reviews)
76% of users liked it
(2,579 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

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 13 min.
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

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.
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.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Probably Fields' best film.
, Film4
It's barely controlled lunacy throughout, of course, but considerable good fun.
, Time Out
Totally ramshackle and marvellous.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Like money in the bank.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
One of the definitive W.C. Fields films.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Not Fields' best, but a classic all the same.
Dan Lybarger, Lawrence Journal-World
Fields' last major film is fantastic.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...Fields is an acquired taste.
Phil Freeman, culturevulture.net
It's still great, exhibiting a far superior sense of wit and comic timing than virtually any film released in the last twenty years.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Wacky hijinks ensue, with some of the best one-liners in Fields' career herein. Excellent.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

I'm not a really big fan of Fields, but this movie isn't bad. If you are a fan, you may enjoy it.
Randy T

"Don't be a luddy-duddy! Don't be a mooncalf! Don't be a jabbernowl! You're not those, are you?" W.C. Fields at his comical best. *Watch for Shemp Howard (of Three Stooges fame) in a supporting role.
Ken S

My second Favorite Fields film
Anthony V

Humor that holds it own even to this day.

Cast

            W.C. Fields as Egbert Sousé

            Cora Witherspoon as Agatha Sousé

            Una Merkel as Myrtle Sousé

            Jessie Ralph as Mrs. Hermisillo Brunch

            Evelyn Del Rio as Elsie Mae Adele Brunch Sousé

            Franklin Pangborn as J. Pinkerton Snoopington

            Grady Sutton as Og Oggilby

            Shemp Howard as Joe Guelpe

            Russell Hicks as J. Frothingham Waterbury

            Pierre Watkin as Mr. Skinner

            Al Hill as Filthy McNasty

            George Moran as Cozy Cochran

            Bill Wolfe as Otis

            Jack Norton as A. Pismo Clam

            Pat West as Assistant Director

            Reed Hadley as François leading man

            Heather Wilde as Miss Plupp

            Harlan Briggs as Doctor Stall

            Eddie Acuff as Reporter

            Nora Cecil as Ladies Auxiliary

            Jack Clifford as Cop

            Jan Duggan as Woman in Bank

            Eddie Dunn as James the Chauffeur

            Fay Holderness as Lady passerby

            Bobby Larson as Boy in Bank

            Patsy Moran as Lady with fruit hat

            Joe North as Butler

            Pat O'Malley as Cop

            Dick Purcell as Mackley Q. Greene

            Margaret Seddon as Old lady in car

            Charles Sullivan as Driver

            Kay Sutton as Young Woman on Bench

            Dorothy Vernon as Old lady

            Emmett Vogan as Hotel Desk Clerk

            Max Wagner as Shirtless ditchdigger

            Mary Field as Woman

            Billy Mitchell as Black Bank Customer

            Lowden Adams as Francois' valet

            Vangie Beilby as Old lady with dog

            Frankie Van as Director's helper

            Emma Tansey as Old woman on bench

            David Oliver as Straw-hatted teller

            Una Richard Purcell
            
See full cast