Watch Annabel Takes a Tour

Annabel Takes a Tour is a screwball comedy from 1938, directed by Lew Landers, and stars Jack Oakie, Lucille Ball, and Ruth Donnelly. The movie follows the life of Annabel Allison, played by Lucille Ball, who is a Broadway star and a very successful one at that. She is known for her aloofness and cold demeanor, which is why when Albert Osborne, a reporter played by Jack Oakie, gets the chance to interview her, he doesn't hesitate to take it.

Albert, like many reporters, is looking for a juicy scoop on Annabel, but what he finds is far beyond what he could have imagined. Annabel is not the cold and aloof person he expected her to be. She's warm, affectionate, and funny, but she is so anxious all the time. Albert thinks that it's because of the pressure she's under as a Broadway star, but when he hears her talking in her sleep about a man named "Lester," he realizes that there's more to her anxiety than meets the eye.

Albert sees an opportunity to write a story about Annabel and change the public's perception of her. He decides to take her on a road trip to California, where she's scheduled to perform in a play. This way, he can get to know her better and write a more well-rounded story about her.

On the road trip, Albert and Annabel encounter some hilarious roadblocks, which results in them becoming stranded in a small town. This is where they meet Ruth Donnelly's character, Mrs. Peters, who owns the local newspaper. Mrs. Peters takes a liking to Annabel and offers her a job writing a column for the newspaper.

Annabel jumps at the opportunity, and as she gets to know the town's people, she starts to feel more relaxed and comfortable. This is when Albert realizes that Annabel's anxiety isn't caused by pressure from her job, but rather it's caused by her loneliness.

The chemistry between Lucille Ball and Jack Oakie is undeniable and shines through with the witty and funny banter that they share throughout the movie. Ruth Donnelly also delivers a standout performance with her comedic timing and delivery.

What makes Annabel Takes a Tour stand out is its portrayal of a strong, independent woman who is successful in her career but is also vulnerable and lonely. The movie shows that even the most successful people can have insecurities and that true happiness comes from connecting with others.

The movie is also notable for its gender politics. In an era where women were often portrayed as damsels in distress who needed men to save them, Annabel Takes a Tour shows a woman who doesn't need a man to save her. Annabel is a successful woman who knows her worth and is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

In conclusion, Annabel Takes a Tour is a lighthearted and entertaining movie that showcases the talent of its cast. With a witty script and impeccable comedic timing, it is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema.

Annabel Takes a Tour is a 1938 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.