WRDays About “Mr. Skitch”

A Fox production filmed and released in 1933. Directed by James Cruze, screenplay by Ralph Spence and Sonya Levien and wardrobe by Rita Kaufman. Starring Will Rogers as Mr. Skitch, Zasu Pitts as Mrs. Skitch. It was Will Rogers’ insistence that the name of the film was changed from “See America First” or “Green Dice” to “Mr. Skitch.”

 

Mr. Skitch, head of a family of six, embarks on an auto tour with the hope of regaining the family fortune lost in a bank failure. He finds a job in a casino and gambles with the first dollar he earns. He wins $3,000, only to have his wife lose it in an auto camp. Penniless once more, the Skitch brood sets out for Hollywood, where he hopes to capitalize on the talents of a move-star impersonator by becoming his manager. In Hollywood, Mr. Skitch finally gets out of his financial difficulties.

The movie is shows regularly in the Will Rogers Memorial mini-theatre and will show continuously during portions of Will Rogers Days.

 

The film opened with good reviews including one from the Tulsa World on December 24, 1935 — “Rogers has ample opportunities to display his quick wit, and it goes without saying that he takes full advantage of this chance, in a role that is perfectly suited to his talents.”

(Source: Will Rogers in Hollywood by Bryan B. and Frances N. Sterling)