The Broadway musical "Top Banana," which premiered in 1951, found its way to the silver screen in 1954 as a film of the same name. Distributed by United Artists, this cinematic adaptation aimed to capture the essence of the stage production, particularly its star, comedian Phil Silvers. The transition from live theater to film brought both the original story and its key performers to a wider audience, though the film's reception highlighted some of the challenges
inherent in such adaptations.
The Plot Carries Over
The film version of "Top Banana" largely retained the plot of its Broadway predecessor. Set in New York City in the early 1950s, the story centers on Jerry Biffle, the charismatic star of the "Blendo Soap Program." The narrative kicks off with Biffle attending an autograph-signing party for his new book at a prominent department store. It is here that he encounters Sally Peters, a department store model, whom he soon integrates into his television troupe.
Biffle's attempts to court Sally lead him to enlist Cliff Lane, the tenor of his TV company, to serenade her over the phone. However, an unexpected turn of events sees Sally and Cliff falling in love, a development that Biffle remains oblivious to. The plot thickens as Biffle orchestrates a major publicity wedding between Cliff and "a girl," unaware that Sally is the intended bride. Further complications arise when Jerry learns his sponsor is on the verge of withdrawing support. The impending elopement between Sally and Cliff threatens to derail Biffle's entire career and personal life. Ultimately, a new format for the "Blendo" program, devised by his sponsor, saves the day for Jerry.
Cast and Critical Response to the Film
The film featured several members of the original Broadway cast, with Phil Silvers reprising his role as Jerry Biffle. Rose Marie played Betty Dillon, Danny Scholl appeared as Cliff Lane, and Judy Lynn took on the role of Sally Peters. Other cast members included Jack Albertson as Vic Davis, Bradford Hatton as Mr. Parker, and Johnny Coy as Tommy Phelps, among others. This continuity in casting aimed to preserve the dynamic that had made the stage show a success.
However, the film's critical reception was mixed, with particular emphasis placed on Silvers' performance as its saving grace. The New York Times review, for instance, stated, "If the comic, Phil Silvers, weren't in it, it would be unspeakable." The reviewer criticized the film's production values, describing it as "about as cheap-looking as a picture as this qualified judge has ever seen," noting "shoddy" sets and costumes, "bad" color, and an "absurd" production. The review speculated that the film was photographed in two weeks, suggesting it looked as though it was done in two days.
Despite these criticisms, Silvers' portrayal of Jerry Biffle was lauded. The Times reviewer praised his "sheer competency of his clowning, driving and plunging under a full head of steam and spewing gags like hot cinders," deeming it "enough to redeem the film." The character of Biffle was described as a man of "viperish instincts and elephantine conceit," who "browbeats his retinue of gag-men, he shamelessly exploits his girls and he brashly attempts to ride roughshod over anyone that might get in is way." Ultimately, Silvers was recognized as the "top banana" and, indeed, the entire film, underscoring his pivotal role in its appeal.
