DVD Corner

Million Dollar Legs Blu-ray Review

“Million Dollar Legs” is a solid 30’s comedy.  

Written by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and Nicholas T. Barrows, 1932’s “Million Dollar Legs” is a comedy set in the fictional country of Klopstokia (which is known for goats and nuts). The story revolves around a visiting brush salesman (Migg) who falls for a woman named Angela who just happens to be the daughter of Klopstokia’s President. The President is a strong and grouchy fellow who has bankrupted the nation. In need of a way to raise 8 million dollars, Migg comes up with the idea for the country’s abnormally talented athletes (including the President himself) to attend the L.A. Summer Olympics, win medals, and receive a cash reward that is being offered to medalists. While the plan sounds good in theory, the President’s cabinet has been plotting to overthrow him and have hired the seductress Mata Machree to sabotage the plan as it were. 

W.C. Fields is perhaps best known for his short films and the hilarious “It’s A Gift,” but “Million Dollar Legs” is certainly one of his better starring films. Yes, the second half is lacking in W.C. Fields scenes to be sure, but this Edward Cline directed is a goofy, energetic, and short (62 minutes) comedy that never wastes a moment. From start to finish there are all sorts of sight gags involving spies, a kid shooting arrows, the President having hat malfunctions, arm wrestling, and, yes, even a goat outfit. Sure, the end is a bit rushed and it would have been nice to see more antics at the Olympics, but you still get plenty of entertainment here in this zany comedy.

The cast is really what elevates this comedy. W.C. Fields naturally steals the show as the President. You really wish he was in the movie more. Susan Fleming is charming as Angela, Ben Turpin has several memorable scenes as the spy, Jack Oakie is serviceable as the dopey lead Migg, and Lyda Roberti gives a grand performance as the erotic Mata Hari esque Mata Machree.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it sound? The print is highly uneven. Viewers can expect a lot of lines, scratches, and some shots looking fuzzy and or blurry. On the plus side, there are a fair number of scenes (especially close-ups) that are a real step-up from past releases.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? There is audible white noise in the background, but the sound itself is decent for a 30’s comedy.

No extras.

April 21, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Comedy, Million Dollar Legs Blu-ray Review, W.C. Fields