Going Spanish

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Going Spanish (1934) is a short comedy film, and the film debut of Bob Hope. It also starred Leah Ray, and Jules Epailly. Directed by Al Christie, it premiered on March 2, 1934, and is also known as Bob's Busy Day.

[edit] Plot

While on vacation in South America, Bob passes through the village of Los Pochos Eggos. His car collides with that of the mayor of the village. The mayor becomes enraged and he begins tearing Bob's car to pieces. Bob retaliates and takes his car apart as well. According to the village tradition, on one day each year, any crime is forgiven provided that the criminal sing a song afterward. Bob could have been arrested, but instead he happened to appear in town on the appropriate day. Later in the film, Bob woos Senorita (Leah Ray) and begins to make the mayor jealous. Each time an offense is committed the mayor declares "This means war," a quote that would later be used in A Night at the Opera (1935).

[edit] Reaction

The film was very unsuccessful and was panned by critics. Shortly after it was released, the bank robber John Dillinger was at large. Hope told a newspaper columnist that he had starred in the film and then added "When they catch Dillinger, they're going to make him sit through it twice." After Hope made this comment, Christie terminated Hope's contract. Hope then signed with Warner Bros. Studios and starred in his second film Paree, Paree (1934).