SYNOPSIS: "Road to Bali" (1952) is a comedic adventure film starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Dorothy Lamour, marking the sixth installment in the popular "Road to..." series. The story follows two song-and-dance men, George Cochran (Bing Crosby) and Harold Gridley (Bob Hope), who accidentally find themselves aboard a ship headed to the exotic island of Bali. Along the way, they encounter various misadventures, including encounters with a shark, a native princess (played by Dorothy Lamour), and even a sea monster. The film is known for its blend of slapstick humor, musical numbers, and fourth-wall-breaking humor, characteristic of the series. As they navigate through the dangers and comedic situations, George and Harold also vie for the affection of the beautiful Princess Lala, leading to a series of hilarious escapades typical of the beloved "Road to..." films.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: "Road to Bali" follows the misadventures of two American vaudeville performers, George Cochran (Bing Crosby) and Harold Gridley (Bob Hope), who inadvertently find themselves on a ship bound for the exotic island of Bali after narrowly escaping a shark attack. Washed ashore, they are mistaken for deep-sea divers by the island's prince, Ken Arok (Murvyn Vye), who hires them to retrieve a valuable treasure from a sunken ship.

As George and Harold embark on their quest, they encounter a series of comedic mishaps and challenges, including navigating through dense jungles, escaping from a native witch doctor (Jerry Colonna), and confronting a menacing sea monster. Amidst their escapades, both men fall for the beautiful Princess Lala (Dorothy Lamour), leading to a friendly rivalry over her affections.

Throughout the film, the duo engages in their trademark witty banter, breaking the fourth wall to interact with the audience directly. Their journey is punctuated by musical interludes, including Bing Crosby's rendition of "Hoot Mon" and the playful duet "Chicago Style" performed by Crosby and Hope.

The plot reaches its climax as George and Harold must outwit their adversaries, including a treacherous pirate (Peter Coe) and a scheming witch doctor, to secure the treasure and win the heart of Princess Lala. The film's conclusion is a blend of slapstick humor, musical numbers, and romantic entanglements, set against the backdrop of Bali's stunning landscapes and exotic charm, making it a quintessential entry in the beloved "Road to" series starring Crosby and Hope.

PRODUCTION: "Road to Bali" (1952) marked the sixth installment in the popular "Road to..." series starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Produced by Paramount Pictures, the film was directed by Hal Walker and showcased the comedic chemistry between Crosby and Hope, along with their signature blend of slapstick humor, musical performances, and fourth-wall-breaking antics. Filmed in Technicolor, "Road to Bali" took advantage of its tropical setting, with much of the production shot on location in California and on sets designed to replicate the lush landscapes of Bali.

The production faced some challenges, including coordinating the elaborate musical numbers and comedic sequences that were hallmarks of the series. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope's performances were augmented by the presence of Dorothy Lamour, who had appeared with them in previous "Road to..." films, adding continuity and familiarity to the ensemble cast. The film also featured notable guest appearances, including Jerry Colonna as the eccentric witch doctor and Murvyn Vye as the island prince.

Technically, "Road to Bali" showcased advancements in Technicolor cinematography, capturing the vibrant colors of the exotic locales and enhancing the visual appeal of the musical sequences. The film's comedic timing and improvisational style were honed through the collaborative efforts of the director, writers, and cast members, ensuring that the humor and charm of Crosby and Hope's performances translated effectively to the screen.

Overall, the production of "Road to Bali" exemplified the studio-era craftsmanship and collaborative spirit that characterized the "Road to..." series, contributing to its enduring popularity as a classic example of Hollywood's golden age comedy.

RELEASE: "Road to Bali" (1952) was released by Paramount Pictures on November 19, 1952, in the United States. As the sixth installment in the successful "Road to..." series starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, the film benefited from a well-established fan base eager to see the duo's latest comedic escapades. The release was strategically timed to capitalize on the holiday season, aiming to attract audiences looking for light-hearted entertainment during the festive period.

The film's promotion emphasized its star power, highlighting Bing Crosby and Bob Hope's comedic partnership and their ability to deliver laughs alongside Dorothy Lamour, who reprised her role from previous installments. Promotional materials also emphasized the Technicolor visuals and exotic settings of Bali, promising audiences a vibrant and visually appealing cinematic experience.

Critically, "Road to Bali" was generally well-received for its humor and musical numbers, which were considered to uphold the series' tradition of lighthearted entertainment. Audiences appreciated the film's blend of slapstick comedy, witty dialogue, and catchy songs, which contributed to its commercial success.

Upon its release, "Road to Bali" performed strongly at the box office, reaffirming the popularity of the "Road to..." series and solidifying Bing Crosby and Bob Hope's status as Hollywood's beloved comedic duo. The film's release marked another successful chapter in the careers of Crosby and Hope, cementing their legacy in the annals of classic Hollywood comedy.

CAST:

• Bing Crosby as George Cochran

• Bob Hope as Harold Gridley

• Dorothy Lamour as Princess Lala

• Murvyn Vye as Prince Ken Arok

CREW:

• Director: Hal Walker

• Producers: Bing Crosby, Robert Emmett Dolan

• Screenwriters: Frank Butler, Hal Kanter

• Cinematographer: George Barnes

• Editor: Archie Marshek

• Music: Joseph J. Lilley

• Art Director: Roland Anderson

Production Company: Paramount Pictures
Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Release Date: November 19,1952
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 91 minutes
Budget: N/A
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  6.4 / 10

TRIVIA:

• The "Road to..." series was known for breaking the fourth wall and making references to the actors' real lives and careers. This meta approach added an extra layer of entertainment for audiences familiar with Crosby and Hope's work.

• "Road to Bali" features a cameo appearance by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, who were rising stars at the time. Their brief appearance added to the star-studded allure of the film.

• Like other films in the series, "Road to Bali" includes several musical numbers, with Bing Crosby showcasing his smooth vocals and comedic timing in songs that became popular hits of the era.

• The film capitalized on its exotic setting in Bali and was shot in vibrant Technicolor, enhancing the visual appeal of the scenes and immersing audiences in the tropical landscapes.

• "Road to Bali" utilized innovative special effects for its time, including sequences involving fantasy elements and comedic illusions. The film's blend of physical comedy and visual gags highlighted the creative talents of the filmmakers and the comedic prowess of its stars.

• As the sixth installment in the "Road to..." series, "Road to Bali" maintained continuity with its predecessors by incorporating recurring themes, such as the humorous rivalry between Crosby and Hope's characters and their comedic interactions with Dorothy Lamour.

• The film contributed to the enduring popularity of the "Road to..." series and solidified Bing Crosby and Bob Hope as one of Hollywood's most beloved comedic duos.

• The film was directed by Hal Walker, who had previously directed other entries in the "Road to..." series, bringing his experience with the comedic style and pacing that defined the series.

• "Road to Bali" marked the first and only time in the series that was shot entirely in color, taking advantage of Technicolor's capabilities to enhance the exotic locales and musical sequences.

• The storyline of "Road to Bali" involved a mix of adventure, romance, and comedic escapades typical of the series, with Crosby and Hope's characters navigating various challenges in their pursuit of fortune and romance in Bali.

• The film's success at the box office and its enduring appeal in subsequent decades underscore its significance in classic Hollywood comedy and the legacy of the "Road to..." series.
  

"Road to Bali" remains a classic example of Hollywood's golden age comedies, showcasing the enduring appeal of its stars and the timeless humor that continues to entertain audiences decades after its release.