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Moviecut—The Judge Steps Out

The Judge Steps Out

Written and directed by Latvian born Boris Ingster. This is a remake of Paramount's "Sullivan's Travels". Alexander Knox is the judge who gets fed up with things and runs off for a time-out from his daily drudgery. Ann Sothern is Peggy. Flo Bates is here as Peggy's friend "Chita". LOVE HER! H.B. Warner, who was so great in "Lost Horizon" is Justice Hayes. Even Grandma from the Waltons (Ellen Corby) has a line. George Tobias (Abner! Abner! from Bewitched...) Everyone back home is looking for the judge while he's off on his working "vacation", so we know there will be some big blow-up when it all comes to an end. Decisions will have to be made.... which life does he want? This is a good one. Story flows along, and everyone is having a good time. There must have been good chemistry on the set. Catch it if you can.

Probably the lack of really name players in the male lead helped make The Judge Steps Out a big flop at the box office. Good as he is in the title role no one ever accused Alexander Knox of being box office. Knox plays a prim and proper Boston judge who one fine day decides to just up and leave. He goes all the way to California and winds up a cook in Ann Sothern's hash house. Pretty soon they're an item, but he's got a slight enganglement a wife Frieda Inescourt and a daughter Martha Hyer who is about to be married. The Judge Steps Out might not have flopped at the box office had they had a name lead opposite Sothern. I could see Ronald Colman in the part. A few good character players fill out the cast of The Judge Steps Out with your Knox delivering an articulate and carefully delinieated performance. Given the Code was at it's height 'm surprised the ending slipped by those censors. Still not a bad film.

Not a lot new here but a nice diversion for either a rainy or snowy day. Judge Thomas Bailey suffers a status seeking wife and is consumed by his career as a judge. When an opportunity to disappear presents itself, Bailey ends up in California where he finds his locus once again; and also Ann Southern. But a renewed Bailey has to head back to Boston to rewrite a bad decision, divorce his wife, and return to the warm embrace of California and, of course, Ann Southern. I believe most recently this theme was well explored in Castaway with Tom Hanks and "Wilson" standing in for Ann Southern. This film ends with a clear adult choice for the judge however whereas we can only anticipate a more romantic conclusion to Hank's adventures.

Alexander Knox plays Judge Bailey, a very well respected judge. However, despite his success he's not a happy guy. He's henpecked by his wife and daughter and he seems to be going through the motions in life. Because of this, when by chance he misses a train, he sets off on an aimless adventure...and the world thinks he's dead! The aimless wandering leads him to a diner in California and a sweet lady who runs the place (Ann Sothern). He gets a job here and tells no one he's a judge. However, over time he comes to realize a lot about himself as well as himself as a judge. This is an excellent drama, and one of the few that Alexander Knox made. Despite being Oscar nominated for playing the lead in "Wilson", this Canadian actor didn't make all that many films in the States...and here he shows what a shame this is because he's go good. An excellent mid-life crisis film...one that shines due to him and some lovely writing.

After watching this film, you wonder why the superb Canadian character actor Alexander Knox did not get many better roles after his Best Actor Oscar nomination for the classic "Wilson" in 1945. This role, as a Boston probate judge who "drops out," Knox co-wrote for himself. Ann Sothern is her usual cute, lovable self and the cast of character actors in this one reads like a who's who of Hollywood 1940's character actors. Fine family fair and bring a handkerchief. You won't be disappointed!!

This is a really sweet, gentle film of the kind that just couldnt be made these days. Its worth seeing by either men or women who like a simple story dealing with emotions, life choices, ideas on obligation and responsibility, and role models of the 1940's. Its got some real nice scenes in it that emphasize American values. Good shots of the American landscape and road culture as well. Made in a time before we started jumping at shadows and when every man walking alone by the side of the road was not a suspected serial-killer. If you like vagabond stories then see this one. Little known, but fine actor Alexander Knox in the male lead, Ann Sheridan supporting. Worth a look. Somewhat of a tear jerker at the end.