This movie came out shortly after "The Bank Dick" and suffers by comparison. "The Bank Dick", though not his best film (I'd give that honor to "It's a Gift"), is one of the better ones. Also, it really shows that Fields had so much control over the movie--though perhaps it is a little too self-indulgent and surreal at times. Some may find the extreme silliness refreshing--I just thought it bordered on stupid on occasion (like when he dove out of the airplane after his lost bottle of hooch only to fall into the arms of Margaret Dumont--unscratched). Also, insisting on the casting of the teen actress Gloria Jean was a big mistake as Fields is at his best when he is fighting or abusing kids, not treating them in an avuncular manner (wow--that's a big word--it means treating them like he's their beloved uncle). Despite these two big drawbacks, the film still has wonderful moments and I do recommend it. However, if you are unfamiliar with his films, DON'T watch this one first!
