The Old Fashioned Way
Directed by William Beaudine
Comedy legend W.C. Fields (The Bank Dick) battles creditors, widows and obnoxious children in the rib-tickling classic The Old Fashioned Way. Staying one step ahead of the law, The Great McGonigle (Fields) and his impoverished theatrical troupe arrive in a small town to perform The Drunkard, a Victorian temperance play. Discovering they have only sold a handful of tickets, McGonigle promises a part to the wealthy mother of an annoying toddler (Baby LeRoy, It’s a Gift) with her appearance guaranteeing a sell-out. Staving off the local sheriff who intends to collect the receipts, McGonigle gives a performance the town will never forget in an uproarious farce featuring Fields’ legendary juggling act! Hollywood veteran William Beaudine (The Ape Man) directed this gag-filled salute to Fields’ early vaudeville days.