Comedy
United States of America
The Old-Fashioned Way is a 1934 American comedy film directed by William Beaudine and starring W. C. Fields as The Great McGonigle. The plot follows McGonigle, a down-on-his-luck vaudeville performer, and his troupe of quirky misfits as they travel the country in search of laughs and a paying audience.
Despite his constant scheming and self-promotion, McGonigle's shows rarely draw more than a handful of spectators, leading to mounting debt and constant run-ins with local authorities. When a wealthy heiress (played by Judith Allen) takes a liking to McGonigle and agrees to fund his show in exchange for a role onstage, he thinks his luck has finally turned around. However, he soon discovers that her father is a ruthless businessman determined to shut down his troupe and put him out of business for good.
Filled with fast-paced physical comedy, witty one-liners, and classic vaudeville routines, The Old-Fashioned Way is a charming and nostalgic tribute to the golden age of American stage entertainment. With a stellar cast of supporting performers, including Baby LeRoy, Joe Morrison, and Jan Duggan, it remains a beloved classic of early Hollywood comedy.
