Book Review: The Joe McDoakes Comedies

In a book that truly fills a need, author Raymond Valinoti, Jr., goes film-by-film through the entire filmography of the Joe McDoakes “Behind The Eight Ball” comedies from Warner Brothers.  Running just one reel in length, these comedies feature George O’Hanlon (voice of George Jetson) as a struggling everyman who deals with everything from jury duty to baldness. 

Each film is written and directed by Richard L Bare (later known for TV’s Green Acres) and often features his then-wife Phyllis Coates (the first Lois Lane on TV’s The Adventures of Superman).

One of the most interesting chapters of this book is the early overview entitled The Evolution of Joe McDoakes From an Idea To a Popular Series.  This gives all of the background information on how this series came to be.  The author then examines each of the films in the series, giving plot, background, and insights.

For those who approached these one-reel comedies as merely amusing time killers, this book presents a real case for their cleverness and intelligence in giving advice through good humor.  It concludes with capsule bios of Richard L. Bare and George O’Hanlon.

The only trifling quibble this reviewer can offer is that the book features no photo illustrations (other than the book’s cover photo).

But for the information and insight it provides, The Joe McDoakes Comedies is highly recommended for libraries, research centers, and comedy film fans.

The book is available at this link:  MCDOAKES