Nothing But the Truth (1941)

Nothing But the Truth: Directed by Elliott Nugent. With Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, Edward Arnold, Leif Erickson. Stockbroker T.T. Ralston has promised his niece Gwen to double it if she can raise $20,000 for charity. But he connives so those she asks refuse to give her more than the $10,000 she’s already raised. Gwen secretly gives T.T.’s new partner Steve Bennett the $10,000 and asks him to double it. Later in a discussion with T.T., business partner Dick and client Van, about truth in business Steve bets the $10,000 that he can tell the truth for 24 hours. Having already accepted an invitation for a weekend on T.T.’s houseboat, Steve is subjected to 24 hours of attempts to get him to lie or divulge the bet, which would lose him (and Gwen) the $10,000.

“While the plot isnu0026#39;t believable, u0026quot;Nothing But the Truthu0026quot; is a pleasant little comedy and is worth seeing.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhen the story begins, Steve (Bob Hope) is going to a new job working for a stock broker. His coworkers are a bit taken back because unlike his colleagues, he actually has ethics and tries to be honest with his clientsu0026#39; money! They are amazed…but also confident he isnu0026#39;t nearly as honest as he claims to be. So, they make him a bet…tell the truth ALL THE TIME for the next 24 hours. To make sure, the three guys betting against him insist he stays with them all the time so they can verify whether or not he upholds his end of the bargain. However, heu0026#39;s practically broke and bets the money Gwen (Paulette Goddard) gave him to invest! Along for the ride are Edward Arnold, Leif Erickson and Willie Best…who fortunately is NOT a caricature of a black man in this movie (though he often was in previous films).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOverall, while the whole plot idea is silly and tough to believe, the film is lively and fun. You never get side-splitting laughs from any of Hopeu0026#39;s films (in my opinion) but it is good and he is as well. Well worth seeing…I almost gave this one an 8.”