Knock On Wood (1954)

A neurotic ventriloquist (Danny Kaye) has trouble controlling his dummy which results in a near nervous breakdown. While he's under the care of a beautiful doctor (Mai Zetterling), little does he know that his dummy is carrying the plans for a new secret weapon and he will soon find himself embroiled in espionage and murder! Written and directed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama. Though quite popular at the time of its release, this is one of Kaye's less satisfying vehicles. While there is frequent hilarity (like the Russian ballet sequence), sometimes the movie just stops cold in its tracks as with Irish pub sequence. The Swedish actress Mai Zetterling doesn't seem to have any comic timing and is an unsatisfactory straight (wo)man to Kaye's antics. Fans of Kaye (like me) will probably overlook the dim spots but if you're not a fan, you may find it tough going. The songs by Sylvia Fine (Mrs. Kaye) are unmemorable but Michael Kidd's choreography is lively. With Torin Thatcher, Virginia Huston, David Burns, Gavin Gordon, Leon Askin and Henry Brandon.