Road Show

In the 1941 musical comedy 'Road Show', an American remake of the 1938 German film 'Hans te Laache', the main character Drogo Gaines, a self-made millionaire, is on the verge of marrying a gold-digging woman without the love or care of his true intentions. To escape from the union he had arranged for, Drogo decides to pretend that he has gone mad and checks into an insane asylum. However, in a plot twist that foreshadows the chaos that will unfold, Drogo ends up waking up to one of the most unorthodox and hilarious group of patients at Riverview Hospital, run by an equally eccentric and flamboyant psychiatrist. Initially, Drogo struggles to adjust to the hospital's unpredictable environment, characterized by patients exhibiting bizarre behavior, ranging from complete lunacy to eccentricities that blur the lines between sanity and madness. One such patient who catches his attention and soon becomes a confidant is Dr. Hugo, an old soldier, or more correctly, Colonel Carraway as he calls himself. Dr. Hugo is portrayed by the charming and eccentric character actor, Basil Rathbone. Drogo forms an unlikely bond with Dr. Hugo as they engage in witty repartee and exchange banter, slowly revealing the complexities of each other's personalities. In the midst of their newfound camaraderie, Col. Carraway proposes a drastic plan: he plans to break out of the hospital. The plan is fraught with risks but is seen as an opportunity to experience freedom once more and shake off the feeling of confinement. In the midst of all this preparation for their escape, the pair becomes fast friends and develop a strong bond forged from the shared understanding of their desperation for escape. Just as the two escapees are about to implement their daring plan, they spot a woman riding a magnificent white horse, who they later discover to be none other than Penguin Moore. Her real name is actually Pearl, and she has a mysterious and enchanting aura about her. She is revealed to be a captivating carnival owner with an unorthodox background and a penchant for the extraordinary. Penguin's eccentricities and flamboyance prove to be a match for the already eccentric atmosphere at Riverview Hospital, further contributing to the chaos that has been unleashed. In a surprising turn of events, Penguin agrees to transport the duo from the scene of their supposed 'crimes.' It becomes clear that her intention is far from altruistic; she's searching for men to join her carnival as performers. Col. Carraway's military background as well as Drogo's apparent insanity will make him and his partner ideal for adding some extra color to her show. Throughout the road trip, the dynamics of the relationships shift and deepen. Col. Carraway becomes more and more attached to Pearl, who is torn between her own eccentricities and the charm she displays to the escapees. Meanwhile, Drogo tries to navigate the complex web of relationships. He develops an unlikely appreciation for Col. Carraway's soldierly honor, even though they are vastly dissimilar personalities, whereas Drogo had initially found him to be too rigid for his taste. At the same time, Drogo finds himself increasingly drawn to Pearl as the group gets to know each other better. As the trio grows closer, so does their reliance on one another, which becomes essential in the face of the adventures and misadventures that lie ahead. Ultimately, Drogo, Col. Carraway, and their charismatic driver arrive at Penguin Moore's traveling circus. However, it gradually becomes apparent that their new adventure has merely been a prelude to the even greater challenges and escapades they will face in the unpredictable world of her carnival. In the midst of this new and chaotic reality, they are forced to confront their past, their true selves, and the world around them in a journey that's equal parts comedic, unpredictable, and unforgettable.