I Won't Play

Starring: Dane Clark, Janie Paige, Warren Douglas, Robert Shayne, William Haade, William Benedict
Directed by: Crane Wilbur
Rating: Passed
Genre: Short, Drama
Length: 18 minutes
1944

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A marine (Dane Clark) tells outlandish stories to his comrades during World War II and they begin to question whether they're true or not.

Review:

Tim: I have to say, I was really impressed with I Won't Play. This short film won the Academy Award for Best Short Subject, Two-Reel. It absolutely deserved it because it's a delightful little film. I've never been the biggest short film fan because so many feel limited by their run time, but this movie tells a worthwhile, complete story over its' 18 minutes. This is a really good film.

We're introduced to Joe Fingers, played excellently by Dane Clark. He entertains his war buddies with story after story about the entertainment industry, mostly how he influenced some of the biggest names in the business. His stories are detailed and he tells them convincingly enough to suggest they might be true, but as the stories continue and add up, it starts to feel less and less believable. Doesn't it make more sense that he's just a great storyteller and that none of his stories are true? That's the central mystery of the film and it was fun weighing the arguments on either side. The short film gives us enough evidence and hints that either outcome could be true. The two big cruxes happen when a piano shows up at the base, and when a famous singer Fingers claims to know shows up to entertain the troops. Both were handled quite well, which draws the audience in. What's going to happen? Is he a liar? Or is it all the truth? It was really entertaining to watch and discover the answers to those questions.

Clark is great in the lead role, but really, all the cast work well. Janis Page gives a strong performance, as well as everyone else. They might not get a lot of screen time, but they work well and contribute significantly to the film. Each of the actors felt believable in their roles.

I've always taken a mostly opportunistic approach to watching short films. Maybe someday I'll get more intentional, but it's worked for me so far. I have to say, I'm so pleased that I happened across I Won't Play. It really is a well-made, entertaining film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- N/A



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