The Paleface

• Directed by Norman Z. McLeod
• December 24, 1948

The legendary Calamity Jane is sent to learn who is smuggling rifles to Indians and must use a correspondence school dentist as part of her cover.

I grew up in a time when Bob Hope was known for his television specials but at one point he had a movie career. Heck, he even had a comic book! But I am getting off topic.

In The Paleface Hope plays “Painless” Peter Potter-a dentist of questionable skill and a lack of spine. This dentist-inspired in part by the real-life Painless Parker-causes himself plenty of issues as he fumbles his way through his craft before his life intersects with Calamity Jane (Jane Russell) on her mission to stop arms smuggling and prevent an Indian war.

The chemistry between Russell and Hope is adequate. I wanted more believability in their pairing as they ultimately connect romantically. They played well off each other in the sense of setting up jokes and delivering punchlines but as a screen couple something is lacking.

The jokes are good and range from running gags to visual humor to the kind of lines you would find in a Bob Hope routine. Russell for her part is pretty much the straight person of The Paleface. Hope delivers the jokes and she reacts.

Sexism plays a part in the story as attitudes aid in the cover our characters are using. When Potter finds himself in trouble and must use a gun it is often Jane who saves him with her own skill. The characters do not even entertain the notion that a woman could be a good shot thus earning Potter a reputation as a capable gun. Not quite a commentary but still an inversion of what one would expect.

My major complaint about this is the alternation between sets and exterior shots. I have never liked that. Sometimes though I can let it pass but not here. It’s just very noticeable.

As one would expect both characters fall in love, and by the end of the movie marry. That is pretty much a given. There’s a rather unexpected gag in the finale of the film I don’t wish to ruin. I had honestly forgotten about it because it’s been so many years since I last seen this movie, but it’s still what really sells The Paleface for me. A good ending or even a good moment at the close of a film can really sell it and this one here does that.

While nothing groundbreaking it is entertaining fluff. It’s comfort food. This came out in a simpler time in the world. It will put a smile on your face with some solid performances all around. The tone is silly without being campy. There is no message or themes but rather just pure entertainment.

The Paleface is a good older comedic Western. The only drawback is that it will not appeal to the general movie goer but to somebody who really likes their Westerns. If you’re one of those, I recommend it!