The Long, Long Trailer

The Long, Long Trailer is a star vehicle through and through, and it's fortunate that it has the inimitable likes of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to give it power. It doesn't hurt that the reliable Vincente Minnelli is on hand to steer it, either; while Trailer may not allow Minnelli to really strut his stuff, he still gives it a professional, polished production, and the movie definitely benefits visually from his keen eye, especially in his use of color. Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich's screenplay is serviceable, but it's really nothing more than a series of comedic incidents -- some of them well worn, indeed -- that give the stars a chance to shine. There's very little here that wouldn't be right at home on Lucy and Desi's TV show, and that familiarity becomes a bit wearing after a while. Many viewers will probably keep waiting for something fresh, but neither that nor a satisfying payoff ever comes, making the film ultimately seem as if it has been stretched too thin over too long a time. Still, Trailer is worth watching if for no other reason than to see the comedic duo going through their always engaging paces in color for a change. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide