The Coen brothers movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?" has at least the similarity of name to the fictional movie, that is the subject of Preston Sturges film, Sullivan’s Travels.
O Brother Where Art Thou? uses the working title of the movie being made in Sullivan’s Travels as its own. Strangely enough the movie Sullivan’s Travels itself was said to have had "O Brother Where Art Thou" its own working title.
Confusing? Well its worth noting that both films are available on DVD and can be bought from Amazon.com The Coen Brothers film can also be bought from Amazon.co.uk.
Recently the soundtrack for the Coen brothers film was named Album of the Year at the Country Music Association awards. The soundtrack to the Coen brothers film edged out competition from Tim McGraw and Brooks and Dunn.
The Original Sullivan’s Travels:
"There is no speed limit and no Brake. When Sullivan travels with Veronica Lake."
A Hollywood satire... starring Joel McCrea as a film-maker who tires of comedy films and entertainment, wanting to make more meaningful tales of human suffering.
Disguised as a tramp he sets out across America to experience suffering first-hand. Veronica Lake co-stars also disguised as a failed actress on her way home, whichever way she can.
Preston Sturges wrote and directed 5 or 6 of the greatest comedies ever filmed, no small accomplishment considering just how rare such movies are these days. There’s no need to bemoan the lack of celebration of this film-maker as there has been a recent spate of homage/imitation releases, ie. State & Main, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, etc.. The Coen Brothers’ effort obviously aims at Sullivan, a film that mixes both sophisticated and broad humour with some sense of consciousness of the misery of depression era America.
However, resisting sentimentality, Sturges rejects the self-aggrandizing mentality of "I feel your pain.", instead suggesting dignity, charity, and the importance of temporary relief through the commonality of transcending the human condition, ie. comedy.
It’s a hell of a great flick. Also look out for The Lady Eve, The Palm Beach Story, and The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek
