Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Caught in the Draft Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-see comedy starring the legendary Bob Hope.

Caught in the Draft is an entertaining comedy from a golden-era of Hollywood. Produced by Buddy G. DeSylva (Road to Utopia, Sunny Side Up), Caught in the Draft is must-see entertainment for fans of classic Hollywood cinema. Starring Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour, fans of these beloved actors shouldn't overlook this comedy gem.

Don Bolton (Bob Hope) is a Hollywood star with an overwhelming fear of loud sounds and imminent threats – and the upcoming American draft is upending his luxurious Hollywood dreams. Concerned about being drafted in to the middle of the war, Don decides to find a wife (to avoid going to battle). Can Don woo the beautiful Antoinette 'Tony' Fairbanks (Dorothy Lamour) in to marrying him before the troops are called out to duty?

The performances are at the heart of Caught in the Draft. Bob Hope is an exceptional funny-man with an outstanding knack for creating physical comedy. The actor manages to bring so many guffaws to the film that audiences will laugh-out-loud at his antics. Dorothy Lamour is also great (bringing her role an enormous amount of charisma and wit). Lamour is perfection in the film.

Caught in the Draft has many impressive production merits. The art direction by Haldane Douglas (Sweater Girl , Rainbow Island) and Hans Dreier (Double Indemnity, Sunset Blvd. ) imbues the comedy with a style that is authentic for the time-period. Throughout Caught in the Draft, the set pieces seem compelling. The costumes by Edith Head (The Sting, Roman Holiday) also make a big impression as each actor has attire that fits the part.

Draft Punk?

The cinematography by Karl Struss (The Great Dictator, Sunrise) is excellent and is one of the best components of the filmmaking. For a classic comedy, the cinematography is compelling. Visually inventive and beautiful looking, Caught in the Draft has plenty of style. A great effort by Struss.

The score composed by Victor Young (Around the World in 80 Days, The Quiet Man) is an entertaining effort. The score manages to fit the comedic sequences well. Full of life, Caught in the Draft finds the right balance between comedy and drama.

The screenplay by Harry Tugend (Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Road to Bali) is one of the best elements of Caught in the Draft. Caught in the Draft is hilarious and has so many funny lines of dialogue that fans of classic comedies will be thrilled with the results. Bob Hope has exceptional comedic timing and delivers his lines perfectly. The script excels in creating a plethora of rewarding comedic moments. An excellent script by Tugend.

David Butler (If I Had My Way, Look for the Silver Lining) capably brings Caught in the Draft to life with a clear passion for cinematic storytelling. Butler remembers to let stars Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour carry the film and its comedic heart. Everything works well and the pacing and rhythm to the filmmaking is excellent. Irene Morra (White Fang, Just Imagine) edited and there are no sequences which seem over-long or out of place. Caught in the Draft is funny, charming, and magical. Don't miss this classic gem.

Caught in the Draft Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Caught in the Draft is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1 (full frame). The scan is impressive and comes from a brand new 4K restoration of the film. The print does have some imperfections (such as thin scratches on occasion) but the image quality is generally superb.

The print is clean overall and the level of clarity present on the transfer is downright remarkable. The black-and-white cinematography looks splendid. The 4K remastering certainly helps the film look all-the-better and fans of the film will be thrilled to have a nice presentation. A solid effort by Kino Lorber.

Caught in the Draft Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio mono. The lossless audio works well for the presentation. The audio track is clear throughout the film. Dialogue is crisp and easy to understand. An impressive track that doesn't suffer from any serious issues with regards to hiss, crackle, pops, and clicks.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

Caught in the Draft Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Michael Schlesinger and Film Archivist Stan Taffel

Entertaining the Troops (SD, 6:20) delves in to the comedy performances given by Bob Hope to troops.

Command Performance 1944 (SD, 6:47) is a comedic performance produced for and distributed to troops.

Command Performance 1945 (SD, 5:05)

Hollywood Victory Caravan (SD, 19:43)

KLSC (Kino Lorber Studio Classics) Bob Hope Promo (HD, 4:18)

Caught in the Draft Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:21)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other Bob Hope Blu-ray releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Road to Singapore (SD, 2:38), Road to Zanzibar (SD, 2:16), Road to Morocco (SD, 2:13), and Road to Utopia (SD, 2:15).

Caught in the Draft Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Caught in the Draft is an entertaining showcase for stars Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. The film is hilarious and has plenty of great comedic sequences. The script by Harry Tugend (Road to Bali) is a strong one. The Blu-ray release features a 4K restoration. A must-own for Bob Hope fans. Highly recommended.