KNOCK ON WOOD

US, 1954, 104 minutes, Colour.
Danny Kaye, Mai Zetterling, Torin Thatcher.
Directed by Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.

Knock on Wood came at a peak of Danny Kaye's popularity in the 50's. He emerged in the late 40's as a very versatile, as well as warm, comedian in such films as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Knock on Wood and The Court Jester are two of his best from the mid-50's. The spoof of espionage and Kaye's antics under a table and at the ballet are highlights. Director Melvin Frank later made such sophisticated comedies as A Touch of Class and The Prisoner of Second Avenue.

1. Was this a successful Danny Kaye comedy? Why was Danny Kaye a successful comedian? What were the main successful features of his comedy? Are they still valid today?

2. Comedy presents human beings with their limitations and their foibles. Was this film a genuine comedy in its presentation of the character of Jerry Morgan?

3. Was the film successful in its presentation of human relationships - analysis, love, self-discovery, or did this intrude on to the more farcical elements of the film?

4. Was this a successful spoof on spying? Godfrey Langston as a traitor, codes, secret passages, dolls, messages?

5. Comment on the effect of the successful comedy sequences and their contribution to the film: e.g. the Irish song in the bar, the car sale, Danny Kaye under the table tapping the knees, passing through the cars, the final ballet sequence.

6. Why are films like this so popular - entertaining, interesting, funny, presenting attractive personalities etc.?