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Summary: A Unique Film Experience
Review: A year or so ago I saw in a newspaper article that when the top 100 film list came out Steven Speilberg said that he would gladly replace one of his films for "Sullivans Travels" Well, if you were to ask me , I would replace many more of Speilberg,s films for other Preston Sturges classics. The Timless works of Preston Sturges live on and are waiting to be discovered all over again. He wrote and directed most of his later films at Paramount. He was the first director to write his own films totally. Sturges, comedy and pathos come from his personna and his experiences. Accordingly, they are raw, fresh and unique. John L. Sullivan is a director who feels he has to experience tragedy to portray it on the big screen. Somewhat in the vein of " My Man Godfrey" (1936) , Sullivan goes into the world as a bum to get that experience. The result is both profound and ironic. The scene with Robert Warwick and Porter Hall in the screening room is terrific to say the least. If vewing this film makes one investigate other Preston Sturges films you are in for a rare treat. Possibly then you might agree with the opening statement.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant social satire is made up of pure genius.
Review: John L. Sullivan is sick of seeing the audience laugh at his work, so he decides to do a Depression flick. This classic film is impossible not to like (for a normal person, that is) and is one of the greatest comedies ever made!
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Summary: Laughs and Poignant, Too
Review: This film has a timeliness that is kind of freaky considering it was made decades ago. Issues of Hollywood being full of itself, homelessness, the value of entertainment, and the sexiness of Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake make for a great evening rental. The best scenes are those with Esther Howard as the flirtatious boardinghouse lady, a classic film comedienne (and also my great-aunt, but I'm not biased!)
Rating: 
Summary: I enjoyed it more the second time I watched it.
Review: Sullivan's Travels is a light enjoyable comedy, with some elements of realism that are depressing at times but the point comes across well. A must see for Veronica Lake fans! Joel McCrea gives a moving performance.
Rating: 
Summary: A Bore
Review: A silly, sentimental piece of nonsense from the usually far more sensible Sturges. Unbelievable that it has become some kind of classic. A waste of time. See The Palm Beach Story instead.
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Summary: Sturges' Finest Work
Review: Hilarious, bittersweet comedy from one of the great geniuses in the history of the cinema. "Sullivan's Travels" is as topical today as when it was released almost 60 years ago. Joel McCrea is a sadly underrated actor, and gorgeous Veronica Lake demonstrates her great versatility with a rare comic performance. The usual supporting cast of Sturges' zany characters are all here (Eric Blore, William Demarest, Franklin Pangborn), and the script is pure brilliance, turning from biting satire to serious drama in the final third of the film - and doesn't miss a beat. Whatever you do, see this movie!
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Summary: Timeless and Biting Satire
Review: There are more subtle puns in this film that need to be underscored again and again. In a typical Stealth format , Sturges takes us all on a journey of discovery and exposure. We are so glib that some of the dialogue might pass us by at a first viewing. Look again, this film makes some major statements about Hollywood and its moires..and about human nature itself. Magically tied together by the genius of Preston Sturges. Alas, after " Sullivans Travels" Sturges, films are still terrific however they are also much more cynical ..so Rejoice!!
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Summary: Funny, cynical lightweight view of life from Hollywood
Review: If you are a classics movie fan, you MUST have this movie in your collection. It's funny and cyncial and with very enjoyable acting performances. I don't like movies that make me cry but when our hero is watching the cartoon with the other prisoners and realizes how important his own work was in making funny movies, I can't help but cry at his profound recognition of how important simple things in life are to people. I never liked this movie the first time round but after seeing it 5 times, I realize how clever and funny it is.
Rating: 
Summary: "There's a lot to be said for making people laugh."
Review: Preston Sturges' "Sullivan's Travels" is a film about a great deal many things. Yet, despite its pointed commentary on the social and economic ills inherent in American society, its core message is an important one - people should never underestimate the important role laughter plays in their everyday lives.
Film director John Sullivan (Joel McCrea) tells his studio bosses that he has grown tired of making comedies and wants to direct a project with more substance. He comes up with a plan to pose as a vagrant in order to learn first-hand how the real world treats the less fortunate. After he comes back from his masquerade, Sullivan plans to use his experiences to make an important and socially-conscious new work. A young, struggling actress (Veronica Lake) joins him on his journey but Sullivan's plans go awry when a strange series of circumstances leads to his imprisonment.
"Sullivan's Travels" sometimes feels like it is biting off more than it can chew. Sturges uses Sullivan's 90-minute cinematic trek as an opportunity to comment upon the economic and artistic conflicts present in the Hollywood system, the plight of the downtrodden, and shortcomings in the justice and prison systems. Trying to cover so much ground proves disorienting at times as the story oftentimes abruptly changes its focus. However, "Sullivan's Travels" nonetheless succeeds admirably in its multi-tasking endeavor and proves to be both a highly entertaining and thought-provoking viewing experience. McCrea is perfectly cast in the lead role and Veronica Lake oozes with screen presence in every frame she occupies. Chalk up "Sullivan's Travels" as a journey that was well worth taking.
Rating:
Summary: A Sturges masterpiece
Review: Writer director Preston Sturges made five great films in a relatively short time span in the early '40's and "Sullivan's Travels" is the best of the lot. This DVD edition is part of the Criteria Collection meaning it's a bit pricey (though worth it), it's an especially good print and has excellent special features.
Among the specials on "Travels" is an illuminating 76-minute feature on Sturges originally developed by PBS. The documentary spans Sturges' amazing life from a Bohemian childhood through tumultuous years in Hollywood to a depressing conclusion.
The film itself is a classic Sturges comedy and social satire concerning a successful film director (Joel McCrea) who wants to make a film that comments on Depression era social ills. To that end he attempts to temporarily leave behind wealth and comfort and live as a hobo. Along the way he hooks up with an aspiring actress (played by the delicious Veronica Lake in perhaps her best role) and they inevitably fall in love. The director ultimately finds the value of art that exists merely to entertain especially when it provides a good belly laugh.
The wonderful supporting cast is comprised mostly of Sturge's usual ensemble such as William Demearest and Jimmy Conlan.
"Sullivan's Travels" is especially adroit at poking fun at the film industry, particularly in one brilliant scene early in the movie set in a studio executive's office.
The Criterion DVD of "Sullivan's Travels ia must for Stuges fans and film lovers in general.
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