“A Southern Yankee” (1948) starring Red Skelton / Z-View
A Southern Yankee (1948)
Director: Edward Sedgwick
Screenplay: Harry Tugend, written by Melvin Frank, Norman Panama; based on Buster Keaton‘s The General.
Stars: Red Skelton, Brian Donlevy, Arlene Dahl, George Coulouris, Lloyd Gough and John Ireland.
Tagline: HE’S A SPY FOR BOTH SIDES!
The Plot…
The year is 1865. The Civil War is winding down, but spies are still a danger. Especially in a Union Army town. Aubrey Filmore (Skelton) is a hotel bellman who dreams of catching a rebel spy. Problem is, Aubrey struggles to be an effective bellman. He just isn’t soldier material.
When word arrives that the rebel spy known as The Grey Spider is coming to town, Aubrey goes on full alert. Totally by accident, Aubrey discovers The Grey Spider’s identity and plans. When The Grey Spider discovers Aubrey, Aubrey accidentally knocks him out. Aubrey then turns The Grey Spider over to Colonel Baker. Because nobody knows what The Grey Spider looks like, it is decided that Aubrey should impersonate him and go behind enemy lines.
It’s a suicide mission, but as Colonel Baker, “What do we have to lose.”
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
A Southern Yankee is loosely based on Buster Keaton’s The General. Buster Keaton was on set some during filming of A Southern Yankee and helped come up with the gags.
A Southern Yankee (1948) rates 3 of 5 stars
