Never Give a Sucker an Even Break

Never Give a Sucker an Even Break

Year: 1941

Runtime: 71 mins

Language: English

Director: Edward F. Cline

ComedyCrude humor and satireGags jokes and slapstick humorAmusing jokes and witty satireCatchy songs and hilarious musical comedy

A 1941 comedy starring W. C. Fields in his final feature‑length starring role. An ambitious screenwriter tries to sell his story to the fictional Esoteric Studios, only to be taunted by a group of boys, beaten up after ogling a woman, and tormented by a rude waitress. The film showcases Fields’s trademark absurd humor and chaotic physical gags.

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Timeline & Setting – Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1940s

The movie is set during the 1940s, a period characterized by classic Hollywood filmmaking, wartime influences, and shifting social norms. This era is evident through the film's style, fashion, and technology depicted in the scenes, reflecting the entertainment industry and American society of that decade.

Location

Hollywood, Esoteric Pictures, Russian village, Los Angeles

The movie primarily takes place in Hollywood at Esoteric Pictures studios, a hub of filmmaking and entertainment. It also features scenes set in a remote Russian village, highlighting an exotic locale. Additionally, bustling Los Angeles streets serve as the backdrop for key comedic scenes, showcasing the city's vibrant urban environment.

🎬 Studio 🌍 Exotic 🏙️ City

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Main Characters – Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941)

Meet the key characters of Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

W.C. Fields as Himself

Fields plays a fictionalized version of himself, embodying his persona as a wisecracking, comedic auteur. His antics, wit, and self-awareness drive much of the humor, and his interactions often parody Hollywood's surreal side and the industry itself.

🎩 Comedian 🎬 Hollywood 🤪 Surreal

Gloria Jean as Herself

A talented young singer, Gloria Jean's character is innocent and charming, serving as a foil to Fields' antics. Her involvement in the story underlines her role as a wholesome, aspiring performer caught in absurd situations.

🎤 Singer 🌟 Innocent 🎵 Romantic

Mrs. Hemogloben (Margaret Dumont)

A wealthy, slightly cynical woman, Mrs. Hemogloben's character is the object of desire for several characters, embodying wealth and status. Her interactions highlight themes of greed and social ambition in the comedic context.

💰 Wealth 👵 Senior 💅 Aristocratic

Leon Errol as His Rival

A rival suitor vying for Mrs. Hemogloben's attention, his character adds to the comic chaos through slapstick rivalry and exaggerated antics. His confrontations with Fields exemplify the film’s humor style.

🤼‍♂️ Rivalry 😂 Slapstick 🎭 Comedy

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Major Themes – Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941)

Explore the central themes of Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Surreal Comedy

The film explores surreal and absurd humor through fantastical scenes, breaking the fourth wall, and exaggerated characters. It emphasizes the chaotic and whimsical nature of comedy, often blurring the line between reality and fantasy to entertain and satirize Hollywood tropes.

💸 Greed and Wealth

Themes of greed and materialism are highlighted through Mrs. Hemoglobin's wealth and the rivalry over her fortune. The pursuit of money influences characters' actions and decisions, emphasizing the comic critique of greed within the film's playful narrative.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

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Never Give a Sucker an Even Break Summary

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Never Give a Sucker an Even Break Summary

Never Give a Sucker an Even Break Timeline

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Never Give a Sucker an Even Break Timeline

Never Give a Sucker an Even Break Spoiler-Free Summary

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Never Give a Sucker an Even Break Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Never Give a Sucker an Even Break

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