Sullivan's Travels

Veronica Lake’s on the Take

Directed by Preston Sturges

Produced by Paramount Pictures

A screwball comedy-adventure that uses mistaken identity and hardship to explore the gap between artistic ambition and human compassion, balancing playful romance with genuine social conscience.

Successful movie director John L. Sullivan, convinced he won't be able to film his ambitious masterpiece until he has suffered, dons a hobo disguise and sets off on a journey, aiming to "know trouble" first-hand. When all he finds is a train ride back to Hollywood and a beautiful blonde companion, he redoubles his efforts, managing to land himself in more trouble than he bargained for when he loses his memory and ends up a prisoner on a chain gang.