The Magnificent Dope (1942)

Don Ameche ("Dawson") and Lynn Bari ("Claire") concoct a scheme to open a school to teach the naive and the gullible how to be successful. Their first mark turns out to be "Tad" (Henry Fonda) who enters their competition to win $50 and a free course. He's not so fussed about the course, but his two new friends set about trying to manipulate him to stick around, to attract new students and to help them keep the bank from defaulting on a big loan. Their problem is, the more "Tad" is introduced to their would-be clients, the more he convinces them that there is simply no need for their services and soon they are determined to be shot of him. Snag? Well, of course, "Claire" has started to fall for the charm and innocence of "Tad" and when "Dawson" tries to use that to his advantage, things start to get a bit messy. The three at the top of the bill gel well here, with Fonda comng across well as the not so imbecilic yokel. The script is often quite amusing and well delivered, and there are a few entertaining supporting contributions from George Barbier and Edward Everett-Horton to keep it all moving along well for just shy of eight minutes.