Doubting Thomas

Will Rogers and Billie Burke (who is barely 50 years old here and still very pretty) have great screen presence but little chemistry together. Also, the screenplay--and probably George Kelly's original play too--is a little too harsh toward the pretentions of amateur theatrical troupes. The film benefits from some great character actors--Alison Skipworth, Sterling Holloway, John Qualen--but the result is still rather cruel and not very funny.

Few could throw gentle-hearted insults like Will Rogers! His lip and a host of excellent supporting members make Doubting Thomas (1935) a funny knock on amateur theater.