Dive into the whirlwind of slapstick antics and romantic entanglements with Out of the Blue, a screwball comedy gem from 1947, now revitalized in vivid colorized HD. Directed by Leigh Jason and featuring the sparkling chemistry of George Brent and Virginia Mayo, this film delivers rapid-fire humor, mistaken identities, and a plot teetering on absurdity. Perfect for fans of Golden Age Hollywood comedies or anyone craving a lighthearted escape, this restoration breathes new life into a forgotten farce. Also known as Hitting the Jackpot in some regions, it’s a riotous romp through postwar escapism.
The film follows Arthur Earthleigh (George Brent), a mild-mannered bookstore owner whose life unravels when he inherits a fortune from a deceased uncle—with one catch: he must spend $1 million in 30 days to claim an even larger inheritance. Enter Elizabeth “Liz” Courtland (Virginia Mayo), a sharp-tongued nightclub singer hired by Arthur’s scheming cousin to sabotage his spending spree.
As Arthur scrambles to blow his windfall on absurd luxuries—a pet polar bear, a private zoo, and a diamond-studded bathtub—Liz complicates matters by falling for his bumbling charm. Meanwhile, a parade of eccentric characters, including a gold-digging socialite (Carole Landis) and a perpetually confused lawyer (Turhan Bey), turn Arthur’s life into a circus. The chaos peaks with a courtroom showdown where nothing—and everything—goes according to plan.
The ensemble cast elevates the zany script with impeccable timing:
as Arthur Earthleigh
as Elizabeth Courtland
as Deborah Tyler
as Mr. Ramsey
as Mae Earthleigh
as Joe “Cueball” McFarland
Out of the Blue epitomizes the screwball farce genre, blending rapid dialogue, physical comedy, and social satire. Its over-the-top scenarios and eccentric characters place it alongside classics like Bringing Up Baby and The Lady Eve, though its lesser-known status makes it a hidden treasure for classic comedy enthusiasts.
Released in 1947, Out of the Blue arrived as audiences sought levity after WWII. Studios churned out escapist comedies featuring opulent sets, witty repartee, and playful critiques of wealth. While overshadowed by bigger-budget contemporaries, the film reflects Hollywood’s knack for turning financial anxieties (a relatable postwar theme) into laugh-out-loud escapades. Its blend of satire and slapstick offers a window into an era when comedy ruled the box office.
This colorized edition uses advanced AI-driven techniques to reinterpret the original black-and-white film. By analyzing period-accurate costumes, set designs, and lighting, colorists recreated a palette that pops without sacrificing the film’s 1940s aesthetic. Key scenes—like Liz’s sequin-drenched nightclub performances or Arthur’s garish shopping sprees—gain new vibrancy, making the humor feel fresher and more accessible to modern viewers.
: Leigh Jason
: Walter Reisch, Frank Tashlin
: Robert De Grasse
: Werner R. Heymann
: 85 minutes
: MP4, MKV
: 1080p HD
: 4:3 (Original) / 16:9 (Remastered)
While purists debate colorization, this version makes Out of the Blue’s visual gags and expressive performances shine. The ruby-red lipstick on Liz’s sly smirk or the absurd turquoise hue of Arthur’s pet peacock adds layers to the comedy, ensuring the film’s wit transcends generations.
: Is Out of the Blue a romantic comedy?
A: Yes! It blends screwball antics with a will-they-won’t-they romance between Brent and Mayo.
: Was Carole Landis in other comedies?
A: Landis starred in 1941’s Road Show and One Million B.C., though Out of the Blue showcases her comedic chops best.
: Does the colorized version alter the original audio?
A: No—the remastered soundtrack preserves the original dialogue and musical numbers.
: Is this film related to Dennis Hopper’s Out of the Blue (1980)?
A: No—they share a title but have entirely different plots and tones.