You Can't Win (1948)

I think if you ever saw Pete Smith coming towards you, then perhaps it’d be best to just cross the road because here nothing, absolutely nothing, goes the way it is supposed to for his foil commentary foil. Whether he is simply trying to avoid an insurance seller; or needs his lighter to work reliably; or is some fastidious chap who just wants his shirts perfectly starched, it’s never simple. Perhaps it’s the day you decide to wash your filthy car (wearing a white shirt!) whilst the road surface is riddled with lovely dirty puddles, or maybe you find an old hammock and decide it’s time for that comfortable nap? Anyone ever tried to set one up, let alone get and stay in the thing? It’s not one of Smith’s best outings, this one - but there is still some fun to be had at the expense of this poor chap (Dave O’Brien) who most certainly isn’t the luckiest or the brainiest!