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WARNER

MOVIE INFO

Vincente Minnelli
Cast:
Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Keenan Wynn
Writing Credits:
Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich

Synopsis:
Newlyweds Nicky and Tacy embark on married life with a journey via a massive trailer.

MPAA:
Rated NR.

DISC DETAILS
Presentation:
Aspect Ratio: 1.75:1
Audio:
English DTS-HD MA Monaural
Subtitles:
English
Closed-captioned
Supplements Subtitles:
None

Runtime: 96 min.
Price: $21.99
Release Date: 1/24/2023

Bonus:
Ain’t It Aggravatin’ Short
Dixieland Droopy Short
• Trailer


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RELATED REVIEWS


The Long, Long Trailer [Blu-Ray] (1954)

Reviewed by Colin Jacobson (February 5, 2023)

After almost 20 years in movies, Lucille Ball moved to the small screen in 1951 and quickly became a legend. I Love Lucy didn’t end her cinematic aspirations, though, so she and husband/TV partner Desi Arnaz became the stars of 1954’s The Long, Long Trailer.

As Nicky (Arnaz) and Tacy (Ball) prepare to marry, they debate living arrangements. While he wants to own a house, she persuades him to purchase a mobile trailer home so they can go together when he hits the road for his work.

As they embark on their honeymoon, Nicky and Tacy face severe adjustment pains. Many complications come with their roadworthy domicile and wacky shenanigans ensue.

Which probably doesn’t come as a surprise given the lead actors. In theory, it would’ve made sense for Ball and Arnaz to star in a more dramatic movie to contrast with their sitcom fame.

However, I suspect they figured giving audiences “more of the same” would act as an easier ticket to cinematic success. Indeed, the movie’s promo actively reminds prospective viewers of I Love Lucy.

Apparently some involved feared Trailer would flop since audiences could already see Lucy and Desi at home for free. Instead, the movie turned into a pretty big hit, one that led to another Ball/Arnaz feature via 1956’s Forever, Darling.

That one lost money and ended Lucy and Desi as a cinematic couple. Still, it seems impressive that crowds went for Trailer given the ubiquity of I Love Lucy in the culture even back then.

Should one expect anything to substantially differentiate Trailer opposed to I Love Lucy. Maybe – sort of?

No one should expect Ball and Arnaz to stretch their legs as actors. It doesn’t take much to see Tacy and Nicky as fairly similar to Lucy and Ricky – down to the similar names.

That said, Trailer tames the characters to a substantial degree. I Love Lucy played for more exaggerated and broader situations, whereas Trailer leans closer to the real world.

Again: maybe – sort of. Trailer acts as a satire and comment on society mixed with semi-wacky shenanigans, so it’d be a mistake to imply it offers an affair played straight.

It simply focuses on a more realistic scenario than I Love Lucy, one that reverses roles to a degree. To my surprise, Arnaz takes the true lead here, as Nicky becomes our narrator and protagonist.

Of course Tacy plays a prominent part as well, but we see the story and events from Nicky’s POV. While the movie doesn’t paint him as a buffoon, it provokes laughs at his expense via the misadventures in the trailer.

I won’t say Ball plays Tacy straight, but she clearly tones down her Lucy Ricardo act. Indeed, Ball may underplay too much, as she seems so eager to avoid Lucy Ricardo that she makes Tacy semi-devoid of personality.

As someone who grew up with exposure to Arnaz and Ball mainly via I Love Lucy, it can feel odd to see them play roles so similar to their iconic parts and yet so different. Again, Trailer doesn’t completely swap their personalities, but it seems strange to get Desi as the comedic lead and Ball as the semi-straightperson.

Does this alteration of the formula work? To some degree, at least from the perspective that it makes Trailer fresher than anticipated.

That said, there’s a reason Ball played the lead on TV: she’s the superior comedic talent. Not that Arnaz was a slouch as a funny man, but he seems better suited as the steady ego to Lucy’s wacky id.

Trailer does grant Ball one true Lucy Ricardo moment when Tacy tries to cook dinner on the road. This becomes inspired slapstick and acts as the movie’s highlight.

Nonetheless, the two continue to show chemistry and interact well. The movie lacks a real plot, but it moves at a good pace and keeps the audience with it.

Vincente Minnelli seems overqualified for a light effort like this, but he offers a steady hand. While Trailer never threatens to become a classic, it largely entertains.


The Disc Grades: Picture A-/ Audio B-/ Bonus C-

The Long, Long Trailer appears in an aspect ratio of 1.75:1 on this Blu-ray Disc. Expect a highly pleasing presentation.

Sharpness worked well. A few process shots leaned a little soft, but those remained in the minority, so anticipate an accurate image.

No issues with shimmering or jagged edges materialized, and I saw no edge haloes. Grain felt natural and the movie lacked print flaws.

Colors seemed pretty natural, with a minor slant toward blues. The hues felt rich and full.

Blacks looked deep and firm, and the movie exhibited good contrast. Low-light shots also appeared clear and smooth. Overall, I felt impressed by this satisfying presentation.

In addition, the DTS-HD MA monaural audio of Trailer seemed perfectly acceptable for a 69-year-old effort. Speech always seemed concise and natural, with no edginess or other distractions.

Music lacked much range but came across as clean and acceptably clear. Effects showed decent definition, and the track came free from defects. This was a perfectly solid little mix given its age.

In addition to the film’s trailer, we find two short films from 1954. Ain’t It Aggravatin’ (8:20) brings a “Pete Smith” live-action comedy in which the narrator covers various day-to-day annoyances. As it documents forms of rudeness, it remains surprisingly relevant, if not especially amusing.

As implied by the title, Dixieland Droopy (7:47) features the titular deadpan dog as he gets into wild swing music. I never found Droopy to offer a hilarious character, and this mediocre short doesn’t change my mind.

While it will make no one forget I Love Lucy, The Long, Long Trailer offers a decent comedy in its own right. Nothing here sparkles but the movie delivers a reasonably amusing affair. The Blu-ray boasts excellent visuals, acceptable audio and minor bonus materials. It’s fun to see another side of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

Viewer Film Ratings: 3 Stars Number of Votes: 1
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